Whole-body Vibration Therapy in Children with Severe Motor Disabilities

Objective: To study the effect of whole-body vibration therapy on bone mass, bone turnover and body composition in severely disabled children.

Methods: Nineteen non-ambulatory children aged 5.1-16.3 years (6 males, 13 females) with severe motor disabilities participated in an intervention programme with standing exercise on a self-controlled dynamic platform, which included whole-body vibration therapy (vibration, jump and rotation movements). Whole-body vibration therapy was performed at 40-42 Hz, with an oscillation amplitude of 0.2 mm, 5-15 min/treatment, twice/week for 6 months. Bone mass parameters and bone markers were measured at the study start, and after 6 and 12 months.

Results: Whole-body vibration therapy was appreciated by the children. Total-body bone mineral density increased during the study period (p < 0.05). Z-scores for total-body bone mineral density ranged from -5.10 to -0.60 at study start and remained unchanged throughout. Approximately 50% of the subjects had increased levels of carboxy-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen and decreased levels of osteocalcin at the start. Body mass index did not change during the intervention period, but had increased by the 12-month follow-up (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Whole-body vibration therapy appeared to be well tolerated by children with severe motor disabilities. Total-body bone mineral density increased after 6 months of whole-body vibration therapy. Higher carboxy-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen and lower osteocalcin values indicated that severely disabled children have a reduced capacity for bone acquisition.