Whole Body Vibration Therapy, Article Critique Example

A study conducted by Salmon et al. (2012) was aimed at determining the effects of whole body vibration training (WBVT) on the physical ability of individuals afflicted with knee osteoarthritis. The researchers conclude that a short session of WBVT was effective in improving the ability of individuals with knee osteoarthritis to complete a step test. In describing this study to a colleague, I would explain that the research makes use of the experimental research method, one of the longest ever-used research methodologies. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was utilized by the researchers which allow the selection of the participants of the study in a subjective manner. Participants are chosen according to the researchers’ judgment that groups are representative samples of a population. Seventeen adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis were chosen based on a screening questionnaire that requires a diagnosis by a physician and symptoms that are consistent with osteoarthritis of the knee. Participants were asked to perform pre-intervention tests consisting of Timed- Up-and-Go Test (TUG), step test, and a 20-meter walk test with a 5 minute interval after each test. Knee pain levels were assessed after each test using a visual analog scale. They then underwent the whole body vibration training with a total exposure time of 10 minutes and again went through the pre-intervention tests and assessment of knee pain levels at the end of the tests. The researchers presented that WBVT was generally well-tolerated by the participants and fifteen out of the seventeen participants were able to complete the entire protocol. The two participants did not finish the tests due to knee and ankle pain, and as such, data from these two participants were not analyzed by the researchers.

The study, however, pose a number of limitations. Firstly, the number of participants was quite limited and thus prevented the creation of a control group. It is a fact that experimental research is fundamentally based on control; hence, selection of control groups is prerequisite to this type of research. Therefore, caution must be exercised in generalizing the results of this study due to the small sample size. Secondly, the researchers stated that the same WBVT protocol was used for all of the participants although they similarly claim that the WBVT protocol should be tailor made to each individual that can best meet the individual’s own needs.

Whole body vibration therapy (WBVT) has recently come into focus to promote fitness, mobility, muscle strengthening and pain reduction. In addition, WBVT also provides several benefits to individuals who have neurologic disorders as well as towards the elderly, whose options in maintaining physical fitness and mobility becomes limited with aging (Jackson & Merriman, 2010). The use of whole body vibration therapy has become widely accepted nowadays and it has been recommended by many medical and rehabilitation centers all over the world. In fact, it is so popular that even health spas and professional sports teams have adopted whole body vibration therapy as part of their services or fitness program. The quality of research in the field of whole body vibration therapy, however, is considerably diverse. This is evident when comparing various studies as in the case of research by Salmon et al. (2012) stating that the WBVT improved the ability of individuals with knee osteoarthritis to perform a step test. Meanwhile, another study by Segal et al. (2012) state that WBVT does not have any additional benefits in relation to strengthening lower limbs. As an advanced practice nurse, I believe that our actions and current practice must be evidence-based. Nurses have a duty of care towards their clients and must always act in their best interests. I believe that WBVT in general can offer a multitude of health benefits. However, its effectiveness in individuals with knee osteoarthritis is still uncertain and calls for further study.

References

Jackson, K. & Merriman, H. (2010) Whole body vibration: neuro-rehab applications. LER 2(2):43-47.

Salmon, J.R. et al. (2012) Does acute whole-body vibration training improve the physical performance of people with knee osteoarthritis? J Strength Cond Res 26(11):2983-2989.

Segal, N.A et al. (2012) Vibration platform training in women at risk for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. PM&R