Acceptability and impact on spasticity of a single session of upper extremity vibration in individuals with tetraplegia

Study design Pre-post design; before and after vibration intervention. Objectives To explore effect of a focal, self-applied upper extremity (UE) vibration intervention on UE spasticity for individuals with tetraplegia. The secondary objectives were to explore the acceptability and ease of use of this intervention. Setting Specialty rehabilitation center in Georgia, USA. Methods Eleven participants each completed one session of focal, self-applied vibration to the UEs. UE spasticity was measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). UE function was measured using the Box & Block (B&B) test which measures the effectiveness of grasp, transport, and release. These measurements were taken pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 20 min post-intervention. Participants also self-reported the acceptability and usability of the intervention, their perception of change in their spasticity and completed the Qualities of Spasticity Questionnaire. Results In the full group analysis of the spasticity measures, no significant effects were found. Subgroup analysis, however, indicated participants with higher spasticity demonstrated significantly more change on the MAS than the lower spasticity group. Analysis did not reveal any impact of the intervention on UE function as measured by the B&B. Ten out of eleven participants indicated that they agreed or strongly agreed that the intervention would be valuable to have at home. Conclusions Participants with higher spasticity demonstrated decreased spasticity after focal UE vibration, although there was no clear effect on grasp, transport and release function. Participants were satisfied with the intervention; most were able to use it independently and indicated it would be a valuable home intervention.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore the effect of a self-applied upper extremity vibration intervention on UE spasticity for individuals with tetraplegia. Results showed that participants with higher spasticity demonstrated decreased spasticity after the intervention, although there was no clear effect on grasp, transport, and release function. Most participants were satisfied with the intervention and believed it would be valuable to have at home.