Precision vibration therapy for improving muscle function and pain in older adults and stroke survivors
Exploring the Clinical Benefits of Precision Vibration on Neuromuscular Induction, Proprioceptive Gain, Functional Enhancement, and Pain Relief in Older Adults and and Stroke Survivors
NA · National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan · NCT07351877
This project will test whether precise vibration therapy can improve muscle strength, balance, proprioception, and reduce pain in frail older adults and people who have had a stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 95 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT07351877 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The program will implement a precision vibration exercise system and enroll frail older adults and clinically stable stroke survivors to receive vibration sessions or conventional rehabilitation. Researchers will measure limb muscle strength, proprioceptive function, movement performance, and use quantitative pain assessments and validated scales to map chronic pain thresholds and affected regions. Early phases focus on neuromuscular and functional gains while later phases emphasize pain evaluation and validation of therapeutic effects. Sessions are supervised, require participants to be able to sit and safely use the device, and include cognitive and spasticity screening for eligibility.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are frail older adults (meeting two or more SOF frailty criteria) with knee pain and clinically stable stroke survivors with Brunnstrom stage ≥ III, MMSE ≥ 23, MAS < 3, and the ability to sit and use the vibration device.
Not a fit: Patients unlikely to benefit include those in an acute or unstable stroke phase, with significant cognitive impairment (MMSE < 23), high spasticity (MAS ≥ 3), inability to sit or safely use the device, or other contraindicating medical conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this therapy could strengthen muscles, improve movement coordination, and reduce chronic pain, potentially helping participants regain daily function and independence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous smaller studies and rehabilitation reports suggest vibration can improve muscle activation, proprioception, and pain in older and neurologic populations, but rigorous precision-vibration trials in frail and post-stroke groups remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Older Adults: * Meet two or more criteria of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) frailty index * Willing to participate in the study and comply with all study procedures * Able to wear and safely use the vibration device * Normal cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination \[MMSE\] score ≥ 23) * Presence of knee joint pain in the lower limbs Stroke Survivors: * Clinical diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by a physician * Clinically stable stroke condition (i.e., not in an acute or unstable phase) * Brunnstrom stage ≥ III for the affected limb * Cognitive ability sufficient to follow study procedures (MMSE score ≥ 23) * Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score \< 3 for the paretic limb * Able to sit safely and participate in vibration or rehabilitation sessions for up to 60 minutes per visit * Willing and able to comply with all study procedures and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Older Adults: * Acute or chronic neurological injury involving the upper or lower limbs within the past 6 months * Acute or chronic musculoskeletal injury involving the upper or lower limbs within the past 6 months * History of surgery on the upper or lower limbs within the past 6 months Stroke Survivors: * Recurrent stroke during the current episode (i.e., acute re-stroke) or otherwise clinically unstable stroke presentation * Markedly elevated spasticity preventing isolated voluntary movement of the target limb (MAS score ≥ 3) * Hemianopsia or severe hemineglect that significantly interferes with task execution * Concomitant vestibular or cerebellar disorders that severely impair motor performance * Orthopedic or traumatic comorbidities causing significant pain or limiting safe participation during evaluation or intervention * Cognitive impairment attributable to stroke that precludes effective communication or adherence to the study protocol * Other neurological or psychiatric disorders judged likely to interfere with motor performance or study outcomes
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- National Center for Geriatrics and Welfare Research, National Health Research Institutes — Taipei, Taiwan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Po-Jung Chen, Ph.D.
- Email: pojungchen@nhri.edu.tw
- Phone: +886-5-632-5080
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.