Abstract
Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of whole-body vibration on strength of calf and quadriceps muscles post burn.
Patients and Methods: Thirty patients (male and female) had second degree burn of lower limb with surface area about (20-35%) suffering from weakness of quadriceps and calf muscles. Their ages ranged between (20-35) years were participated in this study. The study conducted during the period between March and July (2017) at Makka Hospital and Al-Nada Hospital.
They were assigned randomly into two Groups (A and B) equal in number: Group (A) Fifteen patients had received vibration training on vibration platform plus traditional physical therapy program (eight weeks, three times a week). Group (B) fifteen patients had received the same traditional physical therapy program only.
Evaluation: Evaluations of both Groups (A and B) were done before starting the treatment and at the end of study after eight weeks using hand held dynamometer and manual muscle test.
Treatment: Started immediately post wound closure. This study showed a statistically significant increase in calf and quadriceps muscle strength after eight weeks of receiving whole body vibration in addition to home based physical therapy program, compared with Group B who received traditional physical therapy program only.
Results: Comparison between both Groups (A and B) before starting the study revealed that there was a statistically nonsignificant difference in calf and quadriceps muscle force between them. At the end of the study, there was a significant increase in the muscle force in the study group (Group A) compared with control groups (Group B).
Conclusion: Participation in Whole Body Vibration (WBV) program resulted in a greater improvement in quadriceps and calf muscle strength in adults with healed thermal burn compared to base line values; a WBV program is an effective for strength gain in rehabilitation of burned patients.