Whole-body vibration on parallel bar device for gait and balance rehabilitation in stroke patients

Purpose: Stroke is a condition that affects the cerebral vessels with focal or global involvement of the central nervous system. There is an increase in the use of whole-body vibrations (WBV) as a complement to neurological rehabilitation. Some studies on vibratory performance in a controlled way can improve muscle performance and balance in young adults. Therefore, this paper aims to present the design, development, and validation of a vibratory platform with unidirectional oscillation of controlled amplitude and frequency to aid in the gait and balance rehabilitation of ischemic stroke. Methods: The vibrating platform was built with 2 m length allowing mobility and diversity of gait training. It is actuated by an interchangeable eccentric mechanism that allows amplitude change. Frequency control is done by analog signal given by a potentiometer to a frequency inverter that allows real-time control. The project was submitted to Finite Elements Analysis in appropriate software. The device was built predominantly in structural steel following safety criteria and physically tested in the same project configuration, with frequency, amplitude, and applied load of 26 Hz, 4 mm, and 100 kgf, respectively positioned in three points of the platform, validated in terms of amplitude, frequency, and working load. Results: Obtained data demonstrated reproducibility and repeatability, such as an appropriate device to aid the gait and balance treatment in stroke patients. Conclusion: Although the equipment has been positively analyzed in operation by a board of physiotherapists specializing in neurological rehabilitation, it is convenient to evaluate protocol in asymptomatic previously to the stroke. © 2019, Sociedade Brasileira de Engenharia Biomedica.