MINI REVIEW article
Front. Neurol.
Sec. Neurorehabilitation
Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1579118
A REVIEW ABOUT MUSCLE FOCAL VIBRATION CONTRIBUTION ON SPASTICITY RECOVERY
Provisionally accepted
- 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Lazio, Italy
- 2Department of Human Physiology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy, Perugia, Italy
- 3National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), Rome, Lazio, Italy
- 4Department of Human, Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
- 5Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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Introduction: This review analyses the benefits of focal muscle vibration (FV) in the treatment of spasticity enhancing current understanding and promoting sustained improvements in motor function. Findings could support the selection of optimal FV protocols, guide future research, and provide insights into the mechanisms by which FV may improve motor function in individuals with spasticity. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using the online databases PubMed, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library. Including criteria: (a) participants presented with chronic spasticity; (b) the intervention involved the application of localized mechanical vibration; and (c) outcomes included neuromuscular functional parameters. Data extraction was performed independently by four reviewers, using a modified version of the 16-item Downs and Black checklist.Results: A total of 20 studies were selected, most of which investigated on spasticity following stroke, as well as in conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and Minamata syndrome. FV effects were assessed using several methodologies: functional scales, digital analysis and electrophysiological evaluations. In three studies, follow-up durations ranged between 1 and 30 days, and exceeded one month in seven. When adequate tests were performed, improvements extended to untreated muscles and involved complex motor behaviours.Discussion: The after-effects of FV appear to be most relevant and long-lasting when a highfrequency (75-120 Hz), small-amplitude sinusoidal vibrations are repeatedly applied. The observed enduring improvements in complex motor behaviours suggest the involvement of sensory-motor mechanisms. These findings are discussed in the context of previous studies on FV.
Keywords: Hypertonia, Proprioception, Rehabilitation protocol, stimulus frequency, Tonic vibration reflex
Received: 18 Feb 2025; Accepted: 16 May 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Fattorini, Pettorossi, Marchetti, Rodio and Filippi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: luigi Fattorini, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Lazio, Italy
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