Date of Award
2012
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether Whole Body Vibration (WBV) therapy positively affects the motor skills of patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 English language primary studies. All three were randomized control trials; one was rater blinded and one double blinded with a placebo.
DATA SOURCES: All of the articles were Randomized Control Trials found using the PubMed database.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three studies looked at the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease patients before and after Whole Body Vibration Therapy. Each study used the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Other tests that were studied include the Tinetti Balance Score, a Functional Reach test, Gait evaluations, and the Berg Balance Test.
RESULTS: All three of the RTC’s that are included in this review showed a significant improvement in the symptoms of those with PD after treatment with Whole Body Vibration therapy. No advantages over other therapies were found. No adverse effects were reported in any of the studies.
CONCLUSION: The results of the RTC’s reviewed that Whole Body Vibration therapy does positively affect the motor skills of those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Recommended Citation
Forsyth, Courtney, "Does Whole Body Vibration (WBV) Therapy Positively Affect the Motor Skills of Patients Who Have Been Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease?" (2012). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 62.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/62