Vibratory stimulation for neuromuscular rehabilitation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Vibratory stimulation for neuromuscular rehabilitation: a feasibility study on healthy and cerebral palsy children
IRAS ID
258611
Contact name
Antonio Fratini
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aston University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common movement disorder in children (1 on 400 livebirths in the UK), symptoms include poor coordination, stiff/weak muscles and tremors. With no cure, the only available options to improve mobility include long-lasting physiotherapy, medications, and eventually surgery. Nevertheless, recent research shows that the use of vibratory mechanical stimulation can improve motor control in CP patients, however there is no consensus or a standardised way to define the most appropriate stimulation and delivery parameters (e.g. frequency/intensity/posture).
This study aims at investigating the feasibility of vibratory stimulation applied to able-bodied and CP children aged between 5 and 15 years old and the resulting muscular outcomes. This two cohorts study design will help understanding differences of the effect of vibrations on an able-bodied child and compare them to the CP participants.
The study involves two recording sessions per participant: upper and lower limbs analysis, each of which with two vibration frequencies (10 and 20 Hz) for a total of four vibratory stimulation (VS) combinations. Upper limb stimulation will be provided via mean of a dumbbell, while lower limbs will be stimulated through a vibrating platform. Muscular response, skin accelerations and limb motions will be recorded. The relative functional outcomes (passive range of motion of upper and lower limbs, strength and walking ability) will be also estimated on the recording sessions before and after every VS.REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0318
Date of REC Opinion
13 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion