PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Majerník, Jaroslav
AU  - Živčák, Jozef
TI  - Effect of Whole Body Vibration on Functional Mobility in Elderly Patients
DP  - 2013 Oct 31
TA  - Acta Mechanica Slovaca
PG  - 64--69
VI  - 17
IP  - 3
AID - 10.21496/ams.2013.034
IS  - 13352393
AB  - Whole body vibration (WBV) represents one of the most serious problems in industries. There is a discussion about effects of long-term WBV exposures on employees' health state in scientific community. However, therapeutic usage of WBV may be beneficial for various groups of patients due to the reports of enhanced muscular strength, power or even bone density. The purpose of this study was to investigate immediate response of single WBV training unit on mobility of older individuals with various neurological disorders. Twelve patients (67.0 ± 3.54 years, 4 males and 8 females) were assessed before WBV (10 min, vertical 2 mm, 30 Hz) and then 1 min afterwards. Individual changes in gait kinematics were analyzed and the results indicated positive effects of WBV. Kinematical gait parameters were more symmetric considering right and left side. Depending on the severity of patient's disease these changes were more or less significant. The improvements in gait kinematics after WBV convinced us that this technique can be carefully used in patients' therapy and it may be used together with individually planed rehabilitation processes to bring more satisfying results.