Effects of local vibration and cervical stabilization exercises on balance, joint position sense, and isometric muscle performance in young adults: A randomized controlled study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Turkmen, Ceyhun^{a; *} | Kose, Nezire^a | Bilgin, Sevil^a | Cetin, Hatice^a | Dulger, Esra^a | Altin, Busra^b | Aksoy, Songul^{b; c}

Affiliations: [a] Neurosurgery Rehabilitation Unit, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey | [b] Department of Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey | [c] Dizziness and Balance Disorders Research and Application Center, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Ceyhun Turkmen, Neurosurgery Rehabilitation Unit, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Anafartalar st, Ankara 06080, Turkey. Tel.: +90 312 325 2565; Fax: +90 312 305 2012; E-mail: fztceyhunturkmen@gmail.com.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cervical stabilization exercises and local vibration may improve proprioception and balance and prevent musculoskeletal problems. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of local vibration and cervical stabilization exercises on balance, cervical joint position sense, and muscle performance in healthy participants. METHODS: Forty-eight healthy male participants without neck pain were included. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: a home exercise program lasting eight weeks to the cervical stabilization group; 60 s of vibration to the neck muscles of the local vibration group and a control group. Balance, joint position sense, and muscle performance were evaluated twice in all subjects, before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Joint position sense error values were decreased in both the local vibration and cervical stabilization groups. Balance was improved (p< 0.001) in the local vibration group while improvement in muscle performance parameters was only seen in the cervical stabilization group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The methods used in the present study may be used for improving the proprioceptive and vestibular components of balance in individuals with musculoskeletal problems such as cervical disc herniation, cervical spondylosis, or neck pain. However, given the limitations, much more research is needed to firmly establish these recommendations.

Keywords: Proprioception, balance, vibration, stabilization exercise, joint position sense

DOI: 10.3233/IES-193243

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 28, no. 4, pp. 401-414, 2020