Acute Effects of Whole Body Vibration for Individuals With Parkinson Disease

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Parkinson Disease
• Interventions: Other: Control; Other: Whole body vibration (WBV)

• Registration Number: NCT06352905
• Lead Sponsor: Baylor University

Brief Summary

This is an exploratory study to assess the impact of whole body vibration on backward walking speed in people with Parkinson disease.

Detailed Description

This study will provide valuable information towards the relationship between backward walking using the 3-minute backward walk test and whole body vibration (WBV). The 3MBWT has shown to have diagnostic accuracy for fall prediction in older adults. The 3MBWT has been found to be feasible within the acute stroke population. In a study, the 3MBWT revealed that in the geriatric population a score of more than 4.5 seconds were likely to report a fall history. Gait parameters including a decrease in gait velocity (p\<0.01) have been found to worsen while performing dual tasks (serial-7 subtraction) in individuals with PD. Research has shown when compared to other cognitive tests, the "serial sevens" tests increased the time required to perform the Timed Up and Go in individuals with PD.

This study will use a control group performing mid-squats on level ground and an intervention group performing mid-squats on a WBV machine. Each group will perform 5 sets of mid-squats for 60 seconds with a 60 second rest period between each set. Pre and post testing will involve three trials of the 3MBWT.

The purpose of this study is to determine the immediate impact of WBV on backward walking velocity in individuals diagnosed with PD.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2022-09-01
• Study First Submitted: 2024-04-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-04-03
• Study First Posted: 2024-04-08
• Primary Completion: 2024-08-30
• Study Completion: 2024-08-30
• Status Verified: 2024-11
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-11-18
• Last Update Posted: 2024-11-20

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 26

Inclusion Criteria

• diagnosed with Parkinson disease (PD)
• classified Hoehn and Yahr stages I - IV
• ability to walk independently for at least 5 minutes
• alert and oriented to person, place and time
• Age between 40-85 years old

Exclusion Criteria

• Deep-Brain Stimulation surgery less than 24 months prior to the start of the study
• physician changes in Deep-Brain Stimulation parameters during the study
• acute orthopedic injury or surgery that could impact gait
• a neurological condition other than PD

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Control group	Control	Participants will complete testing on the 3 meter backward test (3MBWT) for 3 trials (pretest). Participants will perform 5 sets of 60 seconds of mid-squats on level ground. There will be a 1 minute rest in between each set. The participant will complete the mid-squats next to a wall so they can use the wall for balance if needed. Additionally, supervision or hand held assist will be provided if needed for balance by a licensed physical therapist. After the completion of the the mid-squats, the participant will complete testing 3MBWT for 3 trials (posttest). All participants will have a gait belt donned the entire time and be closely guarded during every test by a licensed physical therapist. At any point the participant appears unsafe to continue, the protocol will stop immediately. Participants will be given the option to stop and rest when needed.
WBV Intervention	Whole body vibration (WBV)	Participants will complete testing on the 3 meter backward test (3MBWT) for 3 trials (pretest). Participants will perform mid-squats on a whole body vibration (WBV) platform. The participant will complete the WBV with the platform next to a wall so they can use the wall for balance if needed. Additionally, supervision or hand held assist will be provided if needed for balance by a licensed physical therapist. After the completion of the WBV session, the participant will complete testing 3MBWT for 3 trials (posttest). All participants will have a gait belt donned the entire time and be closely guarded during every test by a licensed physical therapist. At any point the participant appears unsafe to continue, the protocol will stop immediately. Participants will be given the option to stop and rest when needed.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
3-meter backward walk test (3MBWT)	5 minutes	The 3MBWT has excellent intrarater reliability as a backward walking velocity assessment. This standardized measure demonstrates diagnostic accuracy for predicting falls within a year in healthy older adults and people with Parkinson disease. Participants stand with their heel touching a line of tape on the floor and are instructed to initiate backward walking at the verbal cue "start" and to continue until instructed to stop (3 meters) by the tester guarding. The average of 3 trials is the score.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Baylor University; 🇺🇸 Waco, Texas, United States