Whole-body vibration alters blood flow velocity and neuromuscular activity in Friedreich's ataxia

P>The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on blood flow velocity and muscular activity after different vibration protocols in Friedreich's ataxia (FA) patients. After two familiarization sessions ten patients received six 3 min WBV treatments depending on a combination of frequency (10, 20 or 30 Hz) and protocol (constant or fragmented). Femoral artery blood flow velocity, vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) electromyography (EMG), and rate of perceived exertion were registered. Peak blood velocity was increased with respect to basal values after 1, 2 and 3 min of WBV (14 center dot 8%, 18 center dot 8% and 19 center dot 7%, respectively, P < 0 center dot 001). Likewise, mean blood velocity was increased with respect to basal values after 1, 2 and 3 min of WBV (17 center dot 3%, 19 center dot 4% and 16 center dot 6%, respectively, P < 0 center dot 001). EMG amplitude of VL and VM was increased (39% and 23%, respectively, P < 0 center dot 05) and EMG frequencies decreased during the application of WBV. The results of this study suggest that higher frequencies (30 Hz) produce a greater increase in blood flow velocity and rate of perceived exertion. WBV is an effective method to increase blood flow and to activate muscle mass in patients with Friedreich's ataxia, and could therefore be considered to be incorporated in rehabilitation programs of this collective.