Background: Vibration therapy has been shown to have positive clinical effects in adult and pediatric patients, although research lacks within the pediatric population. Most of what has been researched in children focuses on reducing spasticity in those with Cerebral Palsy, and not a lot is known about how vibration may help children who possess hypotonia or with a complex neurological, medical history. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the response following low frequency, local vibration in a medically complex infant who possesses significant unilateral deficits and diffuse hypotonia due to a developmental anomaly. Intervention: A frequency of 7.5 Hz administered via a hand-held device was locally applied throughout the trunk and left-sided extremities one time per week, for six weeks. The duration of treatment ranged from three to ten minutes continuously as well as intermittently throughout sessions. Outcomes: The Alberta Infant Motor Scale was used to assess gross motor development. Qualitative data was used to assess effects of vibration. No adverse effects were noted from use of the local vibration therapy. Discussion: This case report suggests use of low frequency, local vibration in conjunction with other neuro-facilitatory techniques may have positive benefits, and its use could be considered on other infants with unilateral deficits and diffuse hypotonia. Due to the frequency used, the parameters may have affected sensation and awareness more than motor function.
Dissertation
Use of Low Frequency, Local Vibration to Augment Function and Enhance Awareness in a Medically Complex Pediatric Patient: A Case Report
University of Iowa
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
Autumn 2022
Free to read and download, Open Access
Abstract
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Use of Low Frequency, Local Vibration to Augment Function and Enhance Awareness in a Medically Complex Pediatric Patient: A Case Report
- Creators
- Dana Bailey - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Laura Frey-Law (Advisor) - University of IowaMichael Petrie (Advisor) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Case Report
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
- Date degree season
- Autumn 2022
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 10 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2022 Dana Bailey
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Case Reports
- Record Identifier
- 9984560351502771
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