Whole-body vibration training improved the muscle thickness and the walking ability of a child with cerebral palsy: A case study

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on the walking ability of a school-age child with cerebral palsy (CP). [Subjects] The subject was a 10-year-old boy with spastic diplegia CP who could walk with crutches. [Methods] Muscle thickness and walking ability were evaluated at the base line, during the WBV intervention, and after the intervention using an ABA’ single-case design. Muscle thickness was measured by ultrasonography (US), and the walking ability was measured as the 10-m walk time. [Results] The muscle thickness was increased, and the walking speed and stride were improved by WBV training. [Conclusion] Whole-body vibration training is effective at improving the strength of school-age children with cerebral palsy.