EFFECTS OF WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION DURING WHEELCHAIR PROPULSION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH COMPLETE SPINAL CORD INJURY

Background: Push the manual wheelchair is one of the most important activities to the wheelchair users like individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The excessive or bad use of the upper limb would lead to biomechanical issues and pain. Whole-body vibration applied by vibratory platform (WBV) has been showing great results increasing muscular performance of the upper limb. Although researches regarding the influence of WBV on activity of the upper limb muscles are unclear due to contradictory findings and dissimilar protocols. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of one single session of WBV increasing muscular performance during the propulsion of the wheelchair in SCI. Methods: Fifteen complete SCI were recruited and performed wheelchair propulsion test that consists in to push the manual wheelchair in a 10 meters path as fast as possible. Average speed, push frequency (cadence) and time of displacement were measured before and after WBV intervention. WBV consisted in 5 sets of 30 second vibration with 60 second rest between. The positioning on the platform consisted in supporting the elbows and forearms. Results: Results show a significant increase in average speed and time of displacement. There was no significant difference in push frequency. Conclusion: In conclusion, WBV is an effective tool increasing upper limb performance during propulsion of the wheelchair and it can be useful during the treatment of SCI individuals