The effect of side-alternating vibration therapy on mobility and health outcomes in young children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy: design and rationale for the randomized controlled study

Abstract Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in early childhood. Vibration therapy (VT) is a promising rehabilitation approach for children with CP with potential to impact mobility, bone and muscle health as demonstrated by extant research. However, it is...

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Main Authors: Alena Adaikina, Paul L. Hofman, Silmara Gusso
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2020-11-01
Series:BMC Pediatrics
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12887-020-02377-2
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author Alena Adaikina
Paul L. Hofman
Silmara Gusso
author_facet Alena Adaikina
Paul L. Hofman
Silmara Gusso
author_sort Alena Adaikina
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in early childhood. Vibration therapy (VT) is a promising rehabilitation approach for children with CP with potential to impact mobility, bone and muscle health as demonstrated by extant research. However, it is still unclear how long therapy must be conducted for and what the optimal vibration frequency is in order to gain health benefits. Methods/design The study is a randomized clinical trial evaluating and comparing the effects of two vibration frequency (20 Hz vs 25 Hz) and duration protocols (12 weeks vs 20 weeks) of side-alternating VT on mobility and other health parameters in children with CP. Children aged 5–12 years old with CP and GMFCS level I-III who are able to understand instruction and safely stand are eligible for the study. Exclusion criteria include bone fracture within 12 weeks of enrolment; acute conditions; the history of significant organic disease; the history of taking anabolic agents, glucocorticoids, growth hormone, and botulinum toxin injection into lower limbs within 3 months of enrolment. All participants will act as their own control with a 12-week lead-in period prior to intervention. The intervention period will consist of 20 weeks of home- or school-based VT 9 min per day, 4 times a week. After the baseline assessment, participants will be randomized to either a 20 Hz or 25 Hz vibration-frequency group. The primary outcome is mobility measured by a 6-min walking test, with analysis performed on the principle of intention to treat. Secondary outcomes include body composition, muscle strength, physical activity level, balance, gross motor function, respiratory function, and quality of life. Participants will undergo four assessment visits over the study period: baseline, at weeks 12, 24, and 32. Discussion The results of the study will provide evidence-based insights into the health benefits of side-alternating VT as a therapeutic tool in young children with cerebral palsy. The investigation of different vibration training protocols will help define the optimal parameters of intervention protocols (duration, frequency) of side-alternating VT to maximize outcomes on the health of 5–12-year-old children with CP. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): 12618002026202 (Registration date 18/12/2018).
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spelling doaj.art-9a8367dd0af341849613762892481bf72022-12-22T00:07:47ZengBMCBMC Pediatrics1471-24312020-11-0120111010.1186/s12887-020-02377-2The effect of side-alternating vibration therapy on mobility and health outcomes in young children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy: design and rationale for the randomized controlled studyAlena Adaikina0Paul L. Hofman1Silmara Gusso2Liggins Institute, University of AucklandLiggins Institute, University of AucklandDepartment of Exercise Sciences, University of AucklandAbstract Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in early childhood. Vibration therapy (VT) is a promising rehabilitation approach for children with CP with potential to impact mobility, bone and muscle health as demonstrated by extant research. However, it is still unclear how long therapy must be conducted for and what the optimal vibration frequency is in order to gain health benefits. Methods/design The study is a randomized clinical trial evaluating and comparing the effects of two vibration frequency (20 Hz vs 25 Hz) and duration protocols (12 weeks vs 20 weeks) of side-alternating VT on mobility and other health parameters in children with CP. Children aged 5–12 years old with CP and GMFCS level I-III who are able to understand instruction and safely stand are eligible for the study. Exclusion criteria include bone fracture within 12 weeks of enrolment; acute conditions; the history of significant organic disease; the history of taking anabolic agents, glucocorticoids, growth hormone, and botulinum toxin injection into lower limbs within 3 months of enrolment. All participants will act as their own control with a 12-week lead-in period prior to intervention. The intervention period will consist of 20 weeks of home- or school-based VT 9 min per day, 4 times a week. After the baseline assessment, participants will be randomized to either a 20 Hz or 25 Hz vibration-frequency group. The primary outcome is mobility measured by a 6-min walking test, with analysis performed on the principle of intention to treat. Secondary outcomes include body composition, muscle strength, physical activity level, balance, gross motor function, respiratory function, and quality of life. Participants will undergo four assessment visits over the study period: baseline, at weeks 12, 24, and 32. Discussion The results of the study will provide evidence-based insights into the health benefits of side-alternating VT as a therapeutic tool in young children with cerebral palsy. The investigation of different vibration training protocols will help define the optimal parameters of intervention protocols (duration, frequency) of side-alternating VT to maximize outcomes on the health of 5–12-year-old children with CP. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): 12618002026202 (Registration date 18/12/2018).http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12887-020-02377-2Cerebral palsyVibration therapyBone densityMobilityGross motor functionBody composition
spellingShingle Alena Adaikina
Paul L. Hofman
Silmara Gusso
The effect of side-alternating vibration therapy on mobility and health outcomes in young children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy: design and rationale for the randomized controlled study
BMC Pediatrics
Cerebral palsy
Vibration therapy
Bone density
Mobility
Gross motor function
Body composition
title The effect of side-alternating vibration therapy on mobility and health outcomes in young children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy: design and rationale for the randomized controlled study
title_full The effect of side-alternating vibration therapy on mobility and health outcomes in young children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy: design and rationale for the randomized controlled study
title_fullStr The effect of side-alternating vibration therapy on mobility and health outcomes in young children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy: design and rationale for the randomized controlled study
title_full_unstemmed The effect of side-alternating vibration therapy on mobility and health outcomes in young children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy: design and rationale for the randomized controlled study
title_short The effect of side-alternating vibration therapy on mobility and health outcomes in young children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy: design and rationale for the randomized controlled study
title_sort effect of side alternating vibration therapy on mobility and health outcomes in young children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy design and rationale for the randomized controlled study
topic Cerebral palsy
Vibration therapy
Bone density
Mobility
Gross motor function
Body composition
url http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12887-020-02377-2
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