Clinical Research Directory

Muscle Vibration as a Countermeasure Against Hypoactivity-induced

Muscle deconditioning, characterized by a loss of muscle mass and strength, is a frequent consequence of prolonged lower limb unloading. Beyond muscle mass loss, reduced neural drive contributes significantly to strength decline, highlighting the need for interventions targeting neuromuscular function during immobilization. Focal muscle vibration (FMV) has shown promise in modulating neuromuscular excitability by activating muscle spindle afferents and inducing cortical adaptations. Chronic use of FMV has been associated with significant strength gains and improved neural command. This makes FMV an effective rehabilitation tool. Its simplicity and non-invasiveness further make it a practical countermeasure.

ViBandz Feasibility Study

This is a single site, mixed methods, feasibility study of the ViBandz device at a Midwest pediatric tertiary care hospital in a physical and occupational therapy clinic.

The Potential of Robotic-Assisted Gait Training in a Rehabilitation Setting

Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) devices, such as the Lokomat®, are commonly used to support gait rehabilitation by enabling repetitive, task-specific walking movements. The functional proprioceptive stimulation (FPS) device Vibramoov® represents a novel technology designed to stimulate proprioceptors at the muscle-tendon junction through targeted vibratory stimuli, thereby activating sensorimotor centers in the brain and potentially facilitating movement execution. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate whether Lokomat® training combined with Vibramoov® leads to greater improvements in qualitative and quantitative gait parameters in stroke patients compared with Lokomat® training alone. The study will be conducted at the Gröbming Rehabilitation Center and will include patients undergoing a four-week neurological inpatient rehabilitation program. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group (Lokomat® + Vibramoov®) or a control group (Lokomat® only), with 20 patients per group. Primary outcomes include the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and spatiotemporal gait parameters. Additional assessments include functional scores, patient-reported outcome measures, and blood biomarkers. Statistical analyses will be performed depending on data distribution. A follow-up assessment evaluating EQ-5D and PHQ-4 will be conducted six months after completion of the rehabilitation program.

The Effects of Different Vibration Exercises on COPD Patients

Pulmonary rehabilitation is effective in improving exercise tolerance, dyspnea, and fatigue in patients with COPD, and exercise training is an important component of pulmonary rehabilitation. Vibration training can be used as a supplement or alternative to traditional exercise and is a short, safe rehabilitation training. COPD patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the control group, whole-body vibration training group, or local vibration training group. The study aims to confirm the rehabilitative benefits of enhancing lower limb muscle strength, exercise endurance, and the quality of life related to COPD in patients.

Effect of Vibrotactile Stimulation in Lateral Epicondylitis

It is aimed to investigate the immediate effect of vibrotactile stimulation on pain, sense and functionality in patients with lateral epicondylitis.