An interventional study of whole body vibration therapy in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3, sponsored by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Terminated at 1 site in Hong Kong. Open to participants aged 6 Years to 18 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2019-07-26.
Sponsored by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are one of the common physical disabilities in childhood. For SMA, progressive muscle weakness and early fatigue hamper the mobility of the sufferers. Osteopenia is common for this population group due to poor bone growth and muscle disuse. As a result, non-traumatic related fractures and bone pain are common. Recently, whole body vibration therapy (WBVT) has been proven to improve bone health and muscle function in healthy adults and post-menopausal women. Among the limited studies on the WBVT for children with muscular dystrophies, promising results have been shown on gross motor function, balance, and muscle strength and the WBVT appears to be safe for children with SMA.
The present pilot study is designed to investigate if WBVT is safe and feasible for individuals with SMA and if WBVT can improve muscle function, functional abilities, postural control and bone mineral density in children with SMA. Convenience samples of 10 individuals with SMA type III will be recruited. The participants will receive the WBVT of 25 Hertz and a peak-to-peak amplitude of 4mm for a session of about 18 minutes, 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Assessment will be performed at the baseline and the completion of the intervention to examine the muscle function, functional abilities, postural control and bone mineral density of the participants.
It is anticipated that the outcomes of this pilot study for SMA may show if this intervention is safe, feasible and beneficial for children with SMA type III regarding to muscle function, functional abilities, postural control and bone mineral content and if there may be any related practical issues of this intervention to this population group. The outcomes also provide research evidence to clinicians if this intervention should be recommended to individuals of similar problems.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an X-chromosome-linked disorder, in which there is a loss of motor neurons from the anterior horn of the spinal cord due to a deletion of the SMN1 gene. SMA is usually classified under 4 categories, based on the onset time and severity of the conditions. Type I SMA is the most severe category, when the boy is diagnosed before 6 months old and has severe muscle weakness, causing them to have poor head control and unable to sit independently. Boys with type II SMA are diagnosed between 6 to 18 months of age and able to sit independently but cannot stand or walk without any assistance. SMA type III is diagnosed between 18 months to 30 years of age and the boys can stand and walk independently but still with variable degrees of muscle weakness. Some would lose ambulation in their early adulthood and require wheelchair mobility. Type IV SMA is the mildest form with an adult onset, normal mobility and longevity. However, they also experience mild muscle weakness throughout their life. This muscle weakness would lead to early loss of ambulation, reduced pulmonary function and complications due to immobilisation such as osteoporosis. Early fatality is not uncommon.
Osteopenia due to disuse is, in fact, common in children with physical disabilities. In a study of 69 children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy (CP), it was shown that the distal femur and lumbar spine areal bone mineral density (BMD) z-scores appeared to worsen with time, which may reflect the possibility of poor bone growth velocity in individuals with CP. Fracture and bone pain are the major complications of osteopenia in CP and the majority of non-traumatic fractures occur in the femur and humerus. Other factors that may contribute to osteopenia in physical disabilities include pubertal delay, vitamin D deficiency, dietary calcium deficiency, under-nutrition and low body weight, corticosteroids or anticonvulsants. Despite of minimising these factors, osteopenia appears to persist.
Limited studies have been done to examine the bone health in children with SMA but more in children with Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD), which have similar clinical presentations although with different pathologies. A study on 41 boys with DMD, bone density in the proximal femur was significantly decreased even in the ambulatory boys (mean z-score -1.6) and progressing rapidly to a level of 4 standard deviations below the norm when compared with normal boys. Forty-four percent of the boys had an episode of fracture, mostly in the lower limbs.
Recently whole body vibration therapy (WBVT) has been preliminarily shown as a simple and effective technique to increase bone mass, muscle mass and strength. In general, the user stands in a static position such as standing or performs some dynamic movements on a device providing vibrations from a few Hz to 50 Hz (Hertz, Hz represents the number of complete up and down movement cycle per second). It has been hypothesised that the vibrations stimulate the muscle spindles and alpha-motor neurons, eliciting a muscle contraction. The latter would increase the muscle mass and in turn, increase the bone mass. It has also been postulated that direct effect by mechanical deformation of bones and increased fluid flow in the canalicular spaces and stimulation of the osteocytes may contribute increase in bone mass with the vibration therapy. Increase in oxygen consumption, body temperature and skin blood flow (erythema) have also been demonstrated. As WBVT does not elicit a significant cardiovascular response, it appears to be safe to be used in children with various medical conditions.
In a systematic review on 22 studies (including 7 studies on CP and 2 on DMD) for the effect of WBVT on body composition and physical fitness in children and adolescents with disabilities, the authors concluded that WBVT appeared to improve bone mass and muscle strength in this population group. However, heterogeneity of the studies was noticed, including great variations in the treatment protocols and lacking of a control group and hence, no recommended minimal dosage of WBVT can be concluded. Since this review, two more randomised controlled trials (RCT) were published on children with CP. In one recent study, 30 children with spastic diplegia CP of GMFCS levels I to II were randomised into a treatment group (WBVT with traditional physiotherapy) and a control group (physiotherapy only). The treatment group received 3 lots of 3 minutes on and 3 minutes off vibration (12 to 18 Hz), 2 to 5 times per week for 3 months. Significant improvement in knee extensor strength and standing stability was reported in the treatment group. In another study in 2013, 27 children with spastic diplegia or hemiplegia CP of GMFCS levels I to III were randomised to a treatment group or control group and then crossed over after 4 weeks. The treatment group performed specific trunk exercise on the vibration platform (35 Hz), 5 to 10 minute per session, 2 to 4 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Significant improvement was found in gait speed, muscle thickness of the abdominal muscle and number of sit-ups done 1 minute. A visual improvement was also shown in sitting and standing postures.
Although it has been shown that high frequency low amplitude vibration seemed to be a safe rehabilitation in mice with muscular dystrophy, intensive strengthening exercises, which may induce more damage to the muscle fibres for children with DMD or SMA as clinically indicated with a raised serum creatine kinase (SCK) level, remain as a concern. Hence current studies on this population group targeted to examine the safety of this intervention. Three studies on children with DMD and 1 on DMD and SMA using WBVT were found. In general, it appears that WBVT seems to be safe for children with DMD or SMA. Although there might be a raised SCK level, the level would gradually reduce to the baseline level, or if not, there was no clinical sign or symptom for muscle damage. A promising result was also shown in improving bone mineral density in children with DMD. However, due to the overall small number of studies and sample sizes, there is no definite conclusion if WBVT is effective in improving the bone density and muscle strength for this population group yet.
Based on current research evidence, it has been suggested that 10 to 20 minutes per session, at least 3 times per week for minimum 26 weeks with frequency between 25 to 35 Hz and a peak to peak amplitude less than 4 mm may be an appropriate protocol targeting to improve bone mass and muscle strength of children and adolescents with disabilities. Studies of rigorous research designs and homogeneous participants are required to investigate if this recommended dosage of WBVT can improve children with disabling conditions.
Methodology This feasibility study aims to examine the safety of the WBVT on children with type III SMA. Children with type III SMA are targeted as they have adequate independence living in the community but still experience early fatigue during normal level of exercises due to the nature of their condition. They are at high risk of suffering from complications due to compromised mobility such as osteopenia, early loss of ambulation when compared with their healthy peers.
The WBVT will be performed on the GalileoTM Med L Plus (Novotech Medical GmbH) with the study participants standing with both knees flexed at least 20 degrees. The vibration frequency and duration will be increased over 5 days to the maximum of 3 minutes of 24 to 25 Hz with a peak to peak amplitude of 4mm. The participants will undergo the WBVT 1 session per day, 3 days per week for 4 weeks. The whole WBVT session will last 18 minutes with 9 minutes of vibration.
Participants:
10 children with type III SMA aged from 6 to 18 years will be recruited. The age range is extended aiming to increase the number of recruitment due to the rarity of the condition. All participants will continue their usual intervention regime, if any, during the study period.
Recruitment:
Children and families will be identified by their paediatrician at the neuromuscular clinic at the Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital in Hong Kong. Participants and/or their parents/guardians will be asked if they are interested to participate in this study and their contact details (name and contact telephone number) will be passed onto the PI. PI will contact the families by telephone.
Power analysis:
There is no previous study specifically conducted for this group of children and adolescents and hence no data is available for the power calculation. Most importantly, the aim of this study is to examine the safety and feasibility of the WBVT for this group of clients.
494 studies on the registry are indexed under Muscular Atrophy; 94 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 1 is below the median of 33 across 335 interventional studies indexed under Muscular Atrophy.
Browse Muscular Atrophy studies →The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is the lead sponsor of 659 studies on the registry; 250 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Exclusion Criteria:
The participants will undergo the whole body vibration therapy 1 session per day, 3 days per week for 4 weeks. The whole total whole body therapy session will last 18 minutes with 9 minutes of vibration.
Device: whole body vibration therapy
The whole body vibration therapy regime is as follows: Day Vibration 1 Rest 1 Vibration 2 Rest 2 Vibration 3 Rest 3 1. st 1 min;12Hz 3 min 1 min;12Hz 3 min 1 min;15Hz 3 min 2. nd 1 min;15Hz 3 min 1 min;15Hz 3 min 2 min;15Hz 3 min 3. th 2 min;15Hz 3 min 3 min;15Hz 3 min 3 min;15Hz 3 min 4. th 2 min;24-25Hz 3 min 2 min;24-25Hz 3 min 2 min;24-25Hz 3 min \>5th 3 min;24-25Hz 3 min 3 min;24-25Hz 3 min 3 min;24-25Hz 3 min The participants will perform mini-squats during Vibrations 1 and 3 and weight-shifting between right and left legs during Vibration 2 on the vibration platform under the supervision of a trained research assistant.
North Star Ambulatory Assessment
examine the gross motor function of the participants. A summed score will be added from each test item.
Time frame: 4 weeks
2-minute Walk Test
assess submaximal exercise capacity by measuring the distance covered in the 2 minutes in metres
Time frame: 4 weeks
Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control-static
assess the segmental trunk control in sitting position with an ordinal score will be given in static trunk control. Assessment score represents as follows: 1= learning head control, 2= learning upper thoracic control, 3= learning mid-thoracic control, 4= learning lower thoracic control, 5= learning at upper lumber control, 6= learning lower lumbar control, 7= learning full trunk control and 8= achieved full trunk control.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory
assess functional capacities in the domains of self care, mobility and social function with a summary score in each domain. A dichotomous score will be given to each question in each domain: 0= unable and 1= able. In self care domain, there are 73 questions, i.e. maximal score is 73. In mobility domain, there are 59 questions i.e. maximal score is 59. In social function domain, there are 65 questions i.e. maximal score is 65.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Body Height
measure height in cm
Time frame: 4 weeks
Body Weight
measure weight in kilograms
Time frame: 4 weeks
Body Mass Index
calculated based on body height and weight in terms of kg/m2
Time frame: 4 weeks
Bone Mineral Content of Femur
Distal femur BMC will be measured in grams
Time frame: 4 weeks
Bone Mineral Content of Whole Body (Excluding Head)
Whole body (excluding head) BMC will be measured in grams
Time frame: 4 weeks
Areal Bone Mineral Density of Femur
Areal bone mineral density of femur will be measured in grams/cm2
Time frame: 4 weeks
Areal Bone Mineral Density of Total Body (Excluding Head)
Areal bone mineral density of total body (excluding head) will be measured in grams/cm2
Time frame: 4 weeks
Volumetric Bone Mineral Density of Lumbar Spine
Volumetric bone mineral density of lumbar spine (L2 to L4) in grams/cm3
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Right Hip Flexion
measure hip flexion in supine using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Left Hip Flexion
measure hip flexion in supine using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Right Hip Extension
measure hip extension in prone using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Left Hip Extension
measure hip extension in prone using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Right Hip Abduction
measure hip abduction in supine using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Left Hip Abduction
measure hip abduction in supine using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Right Knee Flexion
measure knee flexion in prone using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Left Knee Flexion
measure knee flexion in prone using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Right Knee Extension
measure knee extension in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Left Knee Extension
measure knee extension in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Right Ankle Dorsiflexion
measure ankle dorsiflexion in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Left Ankle Dorsiflexion
measure ankle dorsiflexion in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Right Ankle Plantarflexion
measure ankle plantarflexion in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of Left Ankle Plantarflexion
measure ankle plantarflexion in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Right Hip Flexors
measure muscle strength of hip flexors in supine using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Left Hip Flexors
measure muscle strength of hip flexors in supine using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Right Hip Extensors
measure muscle strength of hip extensors in prone using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Left Hip Extensors
measure muscle strength of hip extensors in prone using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Right Knee Flexors
measure muscle strength of knee flexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Left Knee Flexors
measure muscle strength of knee flexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Right Knee Extensors
measure muscle strength of knee extensors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Left Knee Extensors
measure muscle strength of knee extensors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Right Hip Abductors
measure muscle strength of hip abductors in supine using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Left Hip Abductors
measure muscle strength of hip abductors in supine using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Right Ankle Dorsiflexors
measure muscle strength of ankle dorsiflexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Left Ankle Dorsiflexors
measure muscle strength of ankle dorsiflexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Right Ankle Plantarflexors
measure muscle strength of ankle plantarflexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Strength of Left Ankle Plantarflexors
measure muscle strength of ankle plantarflexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Time frame: 4 weeks
Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control_active
assess the segmental trunk control in sitting position with an ordinal score will be given in active trunk control. Assessment score represents as follows: 1= learning head control, 2= learning upper thoracic control, 3= learning mid-thoracic control, 4= learning lower thoracic control, 5= learning at upper lumber control, 6= learning lower lumbar control, 7= learning full trunk control and 8= achieved full trunk control.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control-reactive
assess the segmental trunk control in sitting position with an ordinal score will be given in reactive trunk control. Assessment score represents as follows: 1= learning head control, 2= learning upper thoracic control, 3= learning mid-thoracic control, 4= learning lower thoracic control, 5= learning at upper lumber control, 6= learning lower lumbar control, 7= learning full trunk control and 8= achieved full trunk control.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Percentage of Attendance of Participants
record the percentage of attendance and comments during the intervention
Time frame: 4 weeks
Visual Analogue Scale
record discomfort during the intervention in a scale of 0 (no discomfort) to 10 (maximal discomfort).
Time frame: 4 weeks
| Milestone | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| Started | 1 |
| Completed | 1 |
| Not completed | 0 |
examine the gross motor function of the participants. A summed score will be added from each test item.
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
assess submaximal exercise capacity by measuring the distance covered in the 2 minutes in metres
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
assess the segmental trunk control in sitting position with an ordinal score will be given in static trunk control. Assessment score represents as follows: 1= learning head control, 2= learning upper thoracic control, 3= learning mid-thoracic control, 4= learning lower thoracic control, 5= learning at upper lumber control, 6= learning lower lumbar control, 7= learning full trunk control and 8= achieved full trunk control.
| score on a scale | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control-static | 8 (8 to 8) |
assess functional capacities in the domains of self care, mobility and social function with a summary score in each domain. A dichotomous score will be given to each question in each domain: 0= unable and 1= able. In self care domain, there are 73 questions, i.e. maximal score is 73. In mobility domain, there are 59 questions i.e. maximal score is 59. In social function domain, there are 65 questions i.e. maximal score is 65.
| score on a scale | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| PEDI- self care | 68 ± 0 |
| PEDI- mobility | 14 ± 0 |
| PEDI- social function | 64 ± 0 |
measure height in cm
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure weight in kilograms
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
calculated based on body height and weight in terms of kg/m2
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
Distal femur BMC will be measured in grams
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
Whole body (excluding head) BMC will be measured in grams
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
Areal bone mineral density of femur will be measured in grams/cm2
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
Areal bone mineral density of total body (excluding head) will be measured in grams/cm2
| g/cm2 | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| Areal Bone Mineral Density of Total Body (Excluding Head) | 0.902 ± 0 |
Volumetric bone mineral density of lumbar spine (L2 to L4) in grams/cm3
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure hip flexion in supine using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure hip flexion in supine using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure hip extension in prone using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure hip extension in prone using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure hip abduction in supine using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure hip abduction in supine using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure knee flexion in prone using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure knee flexion in prone using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure knee extension in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure knee extension in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure ankle dorsiflexion in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure ankle dorsiflexion in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure ankle plantarflexion in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure ankle plantarflexion in sitting using goniometer in degrees
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of hip flexors in supine using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of hip flexors in supine using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of hip extensors in prone using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of hip extensors in prone using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of knee flexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of knee flexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of knee extensors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of knee extensors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of hip abductors in supine using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of hip abductors in supine using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of ankle dorsiflexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of ankle dorsiflexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of ankle plantarflexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
measure muscle strength of ankle plantarflexors in sitting using dynamometer in terms of Newton
Results for this outcome have not been posted.
record the percentage of attendance and comments during the intervention
| percentage of attendance | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Attendance of Participants | 100 |
record discomfort during the intervention in a scale of 0 (no discomfort) to 10 (maximal discomfort).
| score on a scale | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| Visual Analogue Scale | 0 |
assess the segmental trunk control in sitting position with an ordinal score will be given in active trunk control. Assessment score represents as follows: 1= learning head control, 2= learning upper thoracic control, 3= learning mid-thoracic control, 4= learning lower thoracic control, 5= learning at upper lumber control, 6= learning lower lumbar control, 7= learning full trunk control and 8= achieved full trunk control.
| score on a scale | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control_active | 8 (8 to 8) |
assess the segmental trunk control in sitting position with an ordinal score will be given in reactive trunk control. Assessment score represents as follows: 1= learning head control, 2= learning upper thoracic control, 3= learning mid-thoracic control, 4= learning lower thoracic control, 5= learning at upper lumber control, 6= learning lower lumbar control, 7= learning full trunk control and 8= achieved full trunk control.
| score on a scale | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control-reactive | 5 (5 to 5) |
Collected over 4 weeks. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.
| Group | Deaths | Serious | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intervention Group | 0/1 (0%) | 0/1 (0%) | 0/1 (0%) |
no difference from the assignment in Participant flow.
| Age, Categorical(Participants) | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| <=18 years | 1 |
| Between 18 and 65 years | 0 |
| >=65 years | 0 |
| Age, Continuous(years) | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| Mean | 14 ± 0 |
| Sex: Female, Male(Participants) | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| Female | 1 |
| Male | 0 |
| Race and Ethnicity Not Collected(Participants) | Intervention Group |
|---|
| Region of Enrollment(participants) | Intervention Group |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong | 1 |
Documents are hosted by the registry — open the source record to download them.
Plan to share: No
This study is terminated, as verified in Jul 2019. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University