Effect of High Frequency, Low Magnitude Vibration on Bone and Muscle in Children with Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND—Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have decreased strength, low bone mass, and an increased propensity to fracture. High frequency, low magnitude vibration might provide a non-invasive, non-pharmacological, home-based treatment for these musculoskeletal deficits. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of this intervention on bone and muscle in children with CP. METHODS—Thirty-one children with CP ages 6-12 years (mean 9.4, SD 1.4) stood on a vibrating platform (30 Hz, 0.3 g peak acceleration) at home for 10 min/day for 6 months and on the floor without the platform for another 6 months. The order of vibration and standing was randomized, and outcomes were measured at 0, 6, and 12 months. The outcome measures included computed tomography measurements of vertebral cancellous bone density (CBD) and cross-sectional area, CBD of the proximal tibia, geometric properties of the tibial diaphysis, and dynamometer measurements of plantarflexor strength. Outcomes were assessed using mixed model linear regression and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS—The main difference between vibration and standing was greater increases in th