• Tracy B

• Muscle Strength
• Open Access Document
• Pediatric Chiropractic
• Vibration / therapeutic use

Objective: To present a history of whole body vibration (WBV) and survey current literature as it relates to the use of this therapy with children. Clinical relevance for Doctors of Chiropractic who work in the pediatric realm will be noted.

Methods: Primary source material came from a literature search of PubMed and google scholar. The search focused on whole body vibration therapy in use with children aged 0-18 years with keywords: ‘whole body vibration and pediatrics; whole body vibration and children, WBV and pediatrics, WBV and children, WBV contraindications.’

Results: Based on the results of this review, WBV appears to be safe and well tolerated in the pediatric population. Multiple effects have been found for WBV including decreasing muscle spasticity, improving muscle strength and balance and increasing bone density It has been studied in children diagnosed with a variety of disorders including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, movement disorders, bone mineral density and more. Appropriate frequency levels for treatment are presented. Contraindications were minimal.

Conclusion: WBV can safely be introduced to children and may provide positive therapeutic gains.

Author keywords: whole body vibration and pediatrics; whole body vibration and children, WBV and pediatrics, WBV and children, WBV contraindications, whole body vibration therapy (WBVT).

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