Tibialis anterior focal vibration therapy: a pilot randomized trial during the subacute phase poststroke - 11/10/26
, Bruno Fernandez a, Delphine Genest b, Diana Rimaud a, Thomas Lapole b, cHighlights |
• | This pilot trial examines proprioceptive vibratory stimulation poststroke. |
• | The tibialis anterior represents a promising target for postural and gait recovery. |
• | Preliminary signals on spasticity reduction in the triceps surae are observed. |
• | A focal improvement in tibialis anterior motor testing is found at follow-up. |
• | Nevertheless, no correlation with functional improvements is demonstrated. |
Abstract |
Background |
Proprioceptive Vibratory Stimulation (PVS) provides targeted proprioceptive input that may enhance sensorimotor control and reduce spasticity in individuals with stroke. However, few studies have investigated lower limb PVS and its potential clinical effects during the subacute phase.
Methods |
We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (NCT04737018) comparing tibialis anterior PVS (100-Hz, 1 mm, 20 sessions) with sham stimulation in subacute individuals with hemiplegia. The Fugl–Meyer Assessment for the lower extremity (FMA-LE), Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength testing, the modified Modified Ashworth Scale (mMAS), and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) were assessed at baseline (day 0), during the intervention (day 15, day 30), and after the intervention (day 60).
Results |
Sixteen subacute individuals with hemiplegia were recruited. PVS resulted in a significant increase in tibialis anterior MRC score (p= 0.027), which was maintained at follow-up (p= 0.026). In addition, soleus and gastrocnemius spasticity mMAS scores in the PVS group did not worsen at the end of the intervention. No significant between-group differences were observed for FMA-LE or PASS scores.
Conclusions |
A selective improvement in strength of the targeted muscle, together with a concurrent antispastic effect in antagonist muscles, suggests that tibialis anterior PVS may represent a promising rehabilitation approach warranting further investigation in post-stroke populations.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Proprioceptive vibratory stimulation, Stroke, Lower limbs, Tibialis anterior, Footdrop, Gait
Abbreviations : FMA-LE, mMAS, MRC, PASS, PVS, TUGT, 2MWT
Plan
Vol 69 - N° 7
Article 102167- octobre 2026 Retour au numéro
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