The effect of whole-body vibration therapy on mechanical nociceptive thresholds and postural stability in horses with thoracolumbar pain

Abstract

Objectives

To determine the effects of WBV on thoracolumbar pain, multifidus muscle CSA, and postural stability in horses with thoracolumbar pain

Animals

Ten horses with thoracolumbar pain

Procedures

Horses received WBV for 30 minutes once daily, 5 days per week, for 30 days. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs) at T13, T18, L3, L6, S2 were assessed on days 0, 1, 14, and 30. Ultrasound of the multifidus muscle cross-section area (CSA) and postural sway (2 conditions: flat square stance and standing on proprioceptive balance pads) were assessed on days 0 and 30.

Results

MNTs were significantly lower than baseline on day 1 (P<0.001) and day 14 (P=0.004). MNTs were significantly higher than baseline on day 30 (P<0.001). Mediolateral accelerations were significantly lower on day 30 compared to day 0 (P< 0.001). Multifidus muscle cross-sectional area was significantly increased on day 30 compared to day 0 (P = 0.0005).

Clinical relevance

WBV may exacerbate pain in horses with thoracolumbar pain when used short-term (<14 days). Long-term use (4 weeks) is needed to improve thoracolumbar pain. Four weeks of once daily WBV is sufficient to improve postural stability and increase multifidus muscle CSA.