Completed projects
Does vibration therapy help in MS?
Principal researchers: Francoise Schyns, Eloise Noble and Dr Lorna Paul
Revive MS Support, MS Therapy Centre, Glasgow, UK
Vibration therapy is exercising whilst sitting or standing on a vibrating platform. These machines have become increasingly popular in gyms.
This pilot study investigated the safety and usefulness of this approach as a therapy in MS. Over a three month period, it compared the effects of an exercise programme with the same exercises done on a vibrating platform. Both groups showed a small improvement in muscle strength, functional ability and general wellbeing but the vibration therapy did not provide any extra benefit.
Comments from participants were generally positive for both interventions. However, after WBV they reported fewer spasms at night, better sleep, improved ability to climb stairs and better sensation in the feet.