Whole-body vibration in children with disabilities demonstrates therapeutic potentials for pediatric cancer populations: a systematic review

Influence of 40 Hz and 100 Hz Vibration on SH-SY5Y Cells Growth and Differentiation-A Preliminary Study

(1) Background: A novel bioreactor platform of neuronal cell cultures using low-magnitude, low-frequency (LMLF) vibrational stimulation was designed to discover vibration influence and mimic the dynamic environment of the in vivo state. To better understand the impact of 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration on cell differentiation, we join biotechnology and advanced medical technology to design the nano-vibration system. The influence of vibration on the development of nervous tissue on the selected cell line SH-SY5Y (experimental research model in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) was investigated. (2) Methods: The vibration stimulation of cell differentiation and elongation of their neuritis were monitored. We measured how vibrations affect the morphology and differentiation of nerve cells in vitro. (3) Results: The highest average length of neurites was observed in response to the 40 Hz vibration on the collagen surface in the differentiating medium, but cells response did not increase with vibration frequency. Also, vibrations at a frequency of 40 Hz or 100 Hz did not affect the average density of neurites. 100 Hz vibration increased the neurites density significantly with time for cultures on collagen and non-collagen surfaces. The exposure of neuronal cells to 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration enhanced cell differentiation. The 40 Hz vibration has the best impact on neuronal-like cell growth and differentiation. (4) Conclusions: The data demonstrated that exposure to neuronal cells to 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration enhanced cell differentiation and proliferation. This positive impact of vibration can be used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It is planned to optimize the processes and study its molecular mechanisms concerning carrying out the research.

Whole-body vibration training for inpatient children and adolescents receiving chemotherapy for first cancer diagnosis: an exploratory feasibility study

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a feasible and potentially beneficial exercise strategy for managing neuromuscular impairments like decreased strength or flexibility, mobility limitations and bone health in pediatric cancer survivors. However, as starting rehabilitation as early as possible is recommended to preserve physical function, this study investigated the feasibility of WBV for patients receiving cancer treatment for first cancer diagnosis. Eleven patients (various types of cancer, ages 7–17) participated in the supervised WBV intervention concomitant to acute cancer treatment, which involved chemotherapy. Training was implemented as part of a general exercise program and offered 3 days per week during hospitalization (warm-up, four progressive training exercises comprising 60–120 s, 21–27 Hz, 2 mm peak-to-peak-displacement). Feasibility, which was defined as the absence of WBV-related serious adverse events leading to study dropout, was primarily evaluated. Training documentation was additionally analyzed. As a main result, no serious adverse events leading to study dropout were reported. However, two incidents of bleeding (adverse events) were observed in patients with bleeding tendencies and low platelets (thrombocytes < 30,000/μL). After adjusting the platelet count threshold for WBV participation to 30,000/μL, no further incidents occurred. Moreover, due to WBV-related side effects like physical exhaustion, 11% of all training sessions had to be stopped and another 11% required reductions in the vibration load. Patients participated in 48% of the planned sessions. While main reasons for non-attendance were medical issues (35%), only few WBV sessions were missed, not completed or needed modifications due to motivational issues. Consequently, WBV seems to be feasible for inpatient pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy for first cancer diagnosis, given a sufficiently high platelet count of at least 30,000/μL. Although WBV tolerance and training motivation appear high, patient’s reduced medical condition during hospitalization can negatively impact training progression and attendance. Future research is required to confirm our findings on feasibility and to assess efficiency of WBV training for pediatric cancer patients receiving cancer treatment.

Design to Assist Better Youthhood for Adolescents with Lower-Limb Disability through Virtual Reality Sports

Background: Youths with lower limb dysfunction display low levels of sports participation, which limits their growth and self-development, both physically and mentally. Recently, VR technology has proven its profound value in the psychological evaluation and treatment, rehabilitation, and immersive training of people in need. We have proposed, designed, and developed a VR rock-climbing game for youths with lower-limb dysfunction that allows them to engage in enjoyable and purposeful in-game tasks that simultaneously bring about intensive real-world exercise. Methods: Pilot studies were conducted on college students whose lower limbs were fixed to chairs. Heart rate monitoring, a flow questionnaire, interviews, and observation were conducted for each participant to evaluate the impact of the VR rock-climbing game. The collected data were trimmed on the basis of Cronbach’s alpha and corrected item−total correlation (CITC) to guarantee the data’s reliability. Results: The average value of each flow experience dimension was greater than 4 (0.76 < SD < 0.91). According to the flow-based analysis and the whole-process feeling distribution (WPFD), the evaluated study brought about the participants’ happiness and a sense of mastery and achievement. Conclusions: By bringing about a deep and enjoyable immersion in VR, it remarkably promotes the participants’ intention to participate in exercises.

Web-Based Research Trends on Child and Adolescent Cancer Survivors Over the Last 5 Years: Text Network Analysis and Topic Modeling Study

Background

Being diagnosed with cancer during childhood or adolescence can disrupt important periods in an individual’s physical, psychosocial, and spiritual development and potentially reduce the quality of life (QOL) after treatment. Research is urgently required to improve the QOL for child and adolescent cancer survivors, and it is necessary to analyze the trends in prior research reported in international academic journals to identify knowledge structures.

Objective

This study aims to identify the main keywords based on network centrality, subgroups (clusters) of keyword networks by using a cohesion analysis method, and the main theme of child and adolescent cancer survivor–related research abstracts through topic modeling. This study also aims to label the subgroups by comparing the results of the cohesion and topic modeling.

Methods

A text network analysis method and topic modeling were used to explore the main trends in child and adolescent cancer survivor research by structuring a network of keyword (semantic morphemes) co-occurrence in the abstracts of articles published in 5 major web-based databases from 2016 to 2020. A total of 1677 child and adolescent cancer survivor–related studies were used for data analyses. Data selection, processing, and analyses were also conducted.

Results

The top 5 keywords in terms of degree and eigenvector centrality were risk, control interval, radiation, childhood cancer treatment, and diagnosis. Of the 1677 studies used for data analyses, cluster 1 included 780 (46.51%) documents under risk management, cluster 2 contained 557 (33.21%) articles under health-related QOL and supportive care, and cluster 3 consisted of 340 (20.27%) studies under cancer treatment and complications.

Conclusions

This study is significant in that it confirms the knowledge structure based on the main keywords and cross-disciplinary trends in child and adolescent cancer survivor research published in the last 5 years worldwide. The primary goal of child and adolescent cancer survivor research is to prevent and manage the various aspects of the problems encountered during the transition to a normal life and to improve the overall QOL. To this end, it is necessary to further revitalize the study of the multidisciplinary team approach for the promotion of age-specific health behaviors and the development of intervention strategies with increased feasibility for child and adolescent cancer survivors.

Does Whole-Body Vibration Training Have a Concurrent Effect on Bone and Muscle Health? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Aging results in musculoskeletal disorders, which are a leading cause of disability worldwide. While conventional nonpharmacological treatments have included interventions such as resistance exercise, there are subgroups of people who may be at risk of exercise-related injuries, for example, falls. Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an intervention that helps improve musculoskeletal function and is viable for those with limited mobility.

OBJECTIVES

Whether WBV has a dual effect on bone and muscle conditions remains unknown. We aim to assess the evidence of the effects of WBV on bone and muscle parameters concurrently in older people.

METHODS

Under Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, a systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials. The main outcomes were changes in bone and muscle parameters.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis showed that WBV does not have significant synergistic effects on measured bone (bone mineral density [BMD] in the hip and lumbar spine) and muscle (lean muscle mass and sit-to-stand time) outcomes, compared to controls (i.e., no WBV included).

CONCLUSION

While there were no significant results, the included studies are limited by small sample size and variable intervention protocols and follow-up periods. Further trials should endeavor to measure both bone and muscle outcomes concurrently with a longer follow-up time. Osteoporosis status in participants must also be considered as it is not yet possible to exclude that WBV may have a significant effect on BMD in people with known osteoporosis. WBV does not appear to simultaneously influence bone and muscle health in older people, and future research is required to establish a regimen that may lead to measurable clinical efficacy.

Feasibility of a combined supervised and home-based whole-body vibration intervention in children after inpatient oncological treatment

Purpose

Reduced physical performance due to therapy-related dysfunctions in children diagnosed with cancer contributes to insufficient physical activity levels. It is therefore essential that relevant functions are restored. Whole-body vibration (WBV) training, a neuromuscular stimulating exercise intervention, could have the potential to target those functions adequately. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a combined supervised and home-based WBV intervention with children after inpatient oncological treatment.

Methods

Eight children aged 6–21 years were included after cessation of their inpatient oncological treatment. They performed a 12-week WBV training including one supervised and two home-based sessions per week according to a standardized training protocol. Feasibility, adherence and compliance to the vibration protocol were documented. Subjective benefits and satisfaction were assessed using a questionnaire.

Results

Study participants attended 84.03 ± 13.09% of WBV sessions. No serious adverse events occurred. Some patients reported side effects partially resulting in modifications of the vibration protocol by therapists. Almost all children regarded the intervention as beneficial.

Conclusion

A combined supervised and home-based WBV intervention with children after inpatient oncological treatment is feasible and safe. The beneficial potential regarding relevant sensory and motor dysfunctions is now to be investigated.

Trial registration number and date of registration

DRKS00014713 15.05.2018