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Does vibration frequency and location influence the effect of neck muscle vibration on postural sway? A cross-sectional study in asymptomatic participants

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Abstract

Introduction

Postural control is of utmost importance for human functioning. Cervical proprioception is crucial for balance control. Therefore, any change to it can lead to balance problems. Previous studies used neck vibration to change cervical proprioception and showed changes in postural control, but it remains unknown which vibration frequency or location causes the most significant effect. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of different vibration frequencies and locations on postural sway and to serve as future research protocol guidance.

Methods

Seventeen healthy young participants were included in the study. We compared postural sway without vibration to postural sway with six different combinations of vibration frequency (80, 100, and 150 Hz) and location (dorsal neck muscles and sternocleidomastoid). Postural sway was evaluated using a force platform. The mean center of pressure (CoP) displacement, the root mean square (RMS), and the mean velocity in the anteroposterior and mediolateral direction were calculated, as well as the sway area. The aligned rank transform tool and a three-way repeated measures ANOVA were used to identify significant differences in postural sway variables.

Results

Neck vibration caused a significant increase in all postural sway variables (p < 0.001). Neither the vibration frequency (p > 0.34) nor location (p > 0.29) nor the interaction of both (p > 0.30) influenced the magnitude of the change in postural sway measured during vibration.

Conclusion

Neck muscle vibration significantly changes CoP displacement, mean velocity, RMS, and area. However, we investigated and found that there were no significant differences between the different combinations of vibration frequency and location.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Author notes

  1. W. De Hertogh and S. Michiels have contributed equally.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium

    A. Chalimourdas & W. De Hertogh

  2. REVAL Rehabilitation Research Centre, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium

    A. Chalimourdas & S. Michiels

  3. Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium

    A. Gilles & S. Michiels

  4. Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium

    A. Gilles

  5. Department of Education, Health and Social Work, University College Ghent, Ghent, Belgium

    A. Gilles

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  1. A. Chalimourdas
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  4. S. Michiels
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Correspondence to A. Chalimourdas.

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Communicated by Bill J Yates.

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Chalimourdas, A., Gilles, A., De Hertogh, W. et al. Does vibration frequency and location influence the effect of neck muscle vibration on postural sway? A cross-sectional study in asymptomatic participants. Exp Brain Res 241, 2261–2273 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-023-06680-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-023-06680-z

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