Focal Muscle Vibration Reduces Spasticity and Improves Functional Level in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report

Abstract Background Spasticity is a common impairment following spinal cord injury (SCI) that negatively affects the activity of daily livings (ADLs). Focal muscle vibration (FMV) has beneficial effects in reducing spasticity post-stroke. Objectives This case report aimed to investigate the effects of 8-week FMV on spasticity and ADLs in a single patient with an incomplete spinal cord injury. Case description The patient was a 26-year-old man with 6-month post-SCI. Twenty-four sessions of FMV were provided for 15 minutes per session. Outcome measures included the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and the Barthel Index (BI). Findings The FMV treatment resulted in spasticity reduction of biceps muscle (reduction from 2 to 1+point median), quadriceps (reduction from 2 to 1 point median), and dorsiflexors (reduction from 3 to 1+point median) as measured by the Modified Ashworth Scale. The activity of daily livings assessed by the Barthel Index (improved from 67 to 79 points median) postintervention and at follow-up. Conclusions This case report demonstrates that FMV reduces spasticity and improves the activity of daily livings in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. Further research is needed in a larger patient population to verify our findings.