This study examined whether muscle vibration enhances the brain’s ability to control voluntary movement. Sixteen healthy men and women participated in studies involving the application of 15 or 30 minutes of vibration to the wrist extensor muscle. Fifteen minutes of vibration significantly increased muscle twitch responses, which indicates increased output to the muscles. The effects of muscle vibration were not sustained after 20 minutes. These data provide a basis for exploring the effectiveness of muscle vibration in improving muscle function in people with central motor disorders such as stroke.

###

Highlight from JRRD pg. 787

Contact: Dr. Stacieann Yuhasz
yuhaszvard
VA Research Communications Service