The efficacy of vibration therapy on lower limbs spasticity in individuals with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of vibration therapy (VT) in reducing lower limb spasticity and its potential implications for rehabilitation strategies.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases PUBMED, and Web Of Science, EMBASE(Ovid), Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials and Chi CTR up to 1 June, 2024. Meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.4 software to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of seven RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that VT significantly reduced lower limb spasticity in post-stroke individuals (SMD= -0.65, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.02, p < 0.05). However, subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences in treatment efficacy based on session duration, targeted joints, number of sessions, or vibration frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

Vibration therapy shows potential in reducing lower limb spasticity in stroke survivors. While the overall findings support its effectiveness, the lack of consistent effects across subgroups suggests that future studies should further explore how specific intervention parameters influence outcomes. Well-designed RCTs are warranted to determine optimal VT protocols and to clarify its role within comprehensive rehabilitation programs.