Effects of whole-body vibration on motor function in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To review the effects of whole body vibration for patients with Parkinson’s disease.Randomized clinical trials comparing whole body vibration with no vibration or conventional physical therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease were searched up to July 31, 2019.Seven studies with 196 patients were included for quantitative analysis. No significant difference was found between groups in motor score of unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS-III) (WMD [weighted mean difference] = −1.75, 95% CI, −5.40 to 1.90, I2 = 45.8%), functional reach test (SMD [standardized mean difference] = 0.21, 95% CI, −0.29 to 0.71; I2 = 0%), and other balance tests (including Berg balance test and Tinetti score) (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.80; I2 = 0%). No statistical difference was detected in walking velocity as well (WMD = −0.05, 95% CI, −0.17 to 0.06; I2 = 0%). In contrast, the pooled analysis from four studies on the Time Up and Go test showed favorable results for whole body vibration (WMD = −1.59, 95% CI, −2.90 to −0.28, I2 = 0%).Whole body vibration may not be beneficial over placebo or conventional physical therapy in overall motor function, balance, and walking velocity in patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, it might have positive effects on sit to stand transitions or turning.