2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (36): 5875-5883

Effects of whole-body vibration training on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a meta-analysis

Chen Peng1, Wang Ling1, Dong Shiyu2, Ding Yue1, Jia Shaohui1, 3, Kou Xianjuan1, 3, Zheng Cheng4   

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Whole-body vibration training has been widely used in the postoperative rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, its efficacy remains controversial. In this study, meta-analysis was conducted to systematically evaluate the effect of whole-body vibration training on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, in order to provide evidence-based medicine evidence for the clinical use of whole-body vibration training.
METHODS: Randomized controlled trials about effects of whole-body vibration training on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were electronically searched from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases, from inception to July 16, 2022. The outcome measures included five continuous variables: quadriceps peak torque, hamstring peak torque, knee angle recurrence error, Biodex migration index, and Lysholm knee score. The Cochrane Risk Bias Assessment Tool and Jadad Scale were used to evaluate the quality of the included literature, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.
RESULTS: (1) Ten randomized controlled trials involving 372 patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were finally included. The overall quality of the included literature was high. (2) The results of meta-analysis: Compared with the control group, whole-body vibration training significantly improved quadriceps peak torque (SMD=0.75, 95%CI: 0.20 to 1.30, P=0.008) and hamstring peak torque (SMD=0.90, 95%CI: 0.03 to 1.77, P=0.04), reduced knee angle recurrence error (SMD=−0.60, 95%CI: −1.04 to −0.17, P=0.007) and Biodex migration index (SMD=−0.93, 95%CI: −1.46 to −0.41, P=0.0005), and improved Lysholm knee score (MD=4.69, 95%CI: 0.79 to 8.60, P=0.02).
CONCLUSION: Whole-body vibration training may help to improve quadriceps peak torque and hamstring peak torque, proprioception and balance function, and knee joint function scale score in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Key words: whole-body vibration training, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, muscle strength, proprioception, balance function, knee joint function, neuromuscular control, return to sports, randomized controlled trial, meta-analysis