Zeng et al. (2024) — Whole-Body Vibration Training in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Study Details
Study: Effects of whole-body vibration training on physical function, activities of daily living, and quality of life in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng D, Zhao K, Lei W, Yu Y, Li W, Kong Y, Lai J, Ma F, Ye X, Zhang X
Journal: Frontiers in Physiology
Year: 2024
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1295776
Study type: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Population: Stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation. 25 studies, 991 patients total. Registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022384319).
Plain-English Summary
This 2024 meta-analysis examined whether whole-body vibration (WBV) training, used as part of stroke rehabilitation, affects physical function, the ability to carry out everyday activities, and quality of life in people recovering from stroke.
WBV is thought to work in this population by promoting muscle contraction, stimulating the proprioceptive (body-position sense) system, and supporting lower-limb muscle strength and motor control — mechanisms relevant to post-stroke rehabilitation goals like balance and mobility.
What Researchers Examined
- Physical function
- Activities of daily living (ADL)
- Quality of life
- Balance and mobility outcomes (examined in related WBV-stroke literature this review draws on)
Key Findings
Pooling 25 studies (991 patients), WBV training in stroke rehabilitation produced statistically significant improvements in spasticity (SMD = −0.33, 95% CI [−0.61, −0.06], p = 0.02), motor function (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI [0.16, 0.61], p < 0.01), and balance function (SMD = 0.28, 95% CI [0.09, 0.47], p < 0.01).
There was no significant effect on gait (SMD = −0.23), activities of daily living (SMD = −0.01), or quality of life (SMD = 0.12) — despite these being named in the study's own title, the pooled data did not show a statistically significant benefit for these three outcomes.
Methodology Notes
Stroke rehabilitation populations are clinically heterogeneous — recovery stage (acute vs. chronic), side of impairment, and baseline mobility all vary considerably across included trials, which is a common limitation in this research area.
Read the outcomes separately, not as a single verdict: this study's title references physical function, ADL, and quality of life together, but the pooled results are mixed — spasticity, motor function, and balance improved significantly; gait, ADL, and quality of life did not. Citing this study elsewhere on the site should specify which outcome is meant rather than implying uniform benefit.
Full Citation
Zeng D, Zhao K, Lei W, Yu Y, Li W, Kong Y, Lai J, Ma F, Ye X, Zhang X. (2024). Effects of whole-body vibration training on physical function, activities of daily living, and quality of life in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1295776
PROSPERO registration: CRD42022384319
Disclaimer: Research cited throughout this library is independent, peer-reviewed scientific work published in international journals. BGREEN and Turtlegym products are wellness and lifestyle equipment — they are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Persons with health conditions should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.