Effect of Multi-Frequency Whole-Body Vibration on Muscle Activation, Metabolic Cost and Regional Tissue Oxygenation

Effects of whole body vibration on functional capacity and respiratory functions in individuals with stroke: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Management of respiratory-related functional problems using sensory rehabilitation strategies has been poorly researched in patients with stroke.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate whether whole body vibration (WBV) training has an effect on functional capacity and respiratory functions in patients with stroke.

METHODS

In the randomized-controlled study, 28 participants were randomized into two groups: one receiving neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT; n = 13) and one receiving both NDT and WBV (NDT + WBV; n = 15). The primary outcome measures were 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and pulmonary function test which evaluate functional and respiratory capacity. Secondary outcome included the chest circumference measurement to evaluate the thoracic expansion ability.

RESULTS

Both groups showed positive significant changes in walking distance and maximum oxygen consumption volume (VO2max), inspiratory capacity, vital capacity and chest circumference measurement scores (p <  0.05). While the NDT +WBV group showed a significantly greater increase in walking distance and VO2max levels than the NDT group (p <  0.05), there were no significant group differences in respiratory function flow and volume parameters, and chest circumference measurement.

CONCLUSION

The addition of WBV training to the treatment program has some incremental benefits on increasing functional capacity and thoracic expansion, and rehabilitating respiratory dysfunction.

The Influence of Surgical Mask on Heart Rate, Muscle Saturation of Oxygen, and Hemoglobin during Whole-Body Vibration Exercise

Background. Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a safe and effective exercise system that affects muscle oxygen through several physiological processes, although its effects on different protocols are still unclear. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated various health problems and controversy or confusion on its possible adverse consequences and impact on performance when wearing a mask during the practice of physical exercise. Aim. To analyze the acute effects of WBV exercise in muscle oxygen variables during different intervention phases with or without a surgical mask and compare protocols that differ in the order of vibration frequencies. Methods. Forty-seven healthy students participated in WBV training. They were randomly assigned to use or not use a mask between the three intervention groups: group A (8, 12.6, and 20 Hz), group B (12.6, 20, and 8 Hz), and group C (20, 8, and 12.6 Hz). Besides the 3 WBV moments, the intervention had a baseline moment, two rest time and a recovery moment. During the whole intervention, the heart rate (HR), muscle oxygen saturation (SatO2), oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb), and deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) were registered. Results. There were no significant differences between the mask use and not use groups. Significant differences were found between the variables during the seven intervention moments and between intervention groups (A, B, or C). Conclusion. HR, SatO2, and Hb were not influenced by the use of a surgical mask, but they reacted differently through the different moments and were sensitive to vibration frequencies and respective order.

Smart Health-Enhanced Early Mobilisation in Intensive Care Units

Critically ill patients that stay in Intensive Care Units (ICU) for long periods suffer from Post-Intensive Care Syndrome or ICU Acquired Weakness, whose effects can decrease patients’ quality of life for years. To prevent such issues and aiming at shortening intensive care treatments, Early Mobilisation (EM) has been proposed as an encouraging technique: the literature includes numerous examples of the benefits of EM on the prevention of post-operative complications and adverse events. However, the appropriate application of EM programmes entails the use of scarce resources, both human and technical. Information and Communication Technologies can play a key role in reducing cost and improving the practice of EM. Although there is rich literature on EM practice and its potential benefits, there are some barriers that must be overcome, and technology, i.e., the use of sensors, robotics or information systems, can contribute to that end. This article reviews the literature and analyses on the use of technology in the area of EM, and moreover, it proposes a smart health-enhanced scenario.