Effects of External Vibration Stimulation on Internal Rotation Range of Motion and Hamstring Strength

Introduction Whole body and localized vibration therapy have gained increased use in the fitness community, clinical setting, and research Efficacy as a modality option is yet to be determined Objective Evaluate the effects of localized vibration treatment (LVT) to the sacral region on shoulder internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM) and isometric hamstring strength Participants 50 Concordia University DPT Students 28 females 22 males Age: 22-33 (Avg. 24) Methods Baseline dominant extremity shoulder IR ROM measured in supine with manual goniometry Baseline hamstring strength measurements in prone using MicroFETTM (hand held dynamometer), taken post 1 practice test Therapeutic intervention: application of LVT using the Hypervolt PlusR tool to 5 predetermined landmarks on sacral region for 40 seconds total Post-therapeutic intervention measurements Prone hamstring strength using MicroFETTM Supine shoulder IR ROM with manual goniometry Results Statistical significance (p \u3c 0.05) was demonstrated for increased shoulder IR (mean difference 3.5 degrees) Hamstring strength did not rise to statistical significance (p=0.09) Conclusion Vibration stimulation to neural dense area such as the sacral region can improve shoulder internal rotation range of motion. Clinical Relevance Potential acute gains in ROM and strength to allow for greater effectiveness in subsequent PT interventions In sport training, LVT could be used as a quick and effective tool for increased athletic performance Future Research Procedural modifications may improve outcomes Pelvis stabilization methods may demonstrate clinically significant improvements in hamstring strength Incremental testing post LVT delivery to assess duration of effect