Effect of Vibration Exercise on Upper Limb Strength, Function, and Pain

Objectives: The primary purpose of this study is to explore the benefits of vibration
dumbbell resistance training over standard dumbbell resistance training for improving upper
limb strength, function and pain among manual wheelchair users with paraplegia.

Experimental Design: Design: Randomized Control Trial

Methods: Twenty subjects with paraplegia will be recruited and randomized into two groups, a
vibration dumbbell training (V-DT) group and a standard dumbbell training group (S-DT). Both
groups will participate in a supervised 12-week (3 sessions per week) dumbbell (free-weight)
strength training program consisting of nine exercises specifically designed to improve upper
limb muscle function to support propulsion and transfer activities and protect the shoulders
from developing pain. For each of the nine exercises the vibration group will hold a
high-frequency (40 Hz) vibrating dumbbell in a static arm posture (isometric training) while
the control group will move a non-vibrating dumbbell through the full range of motion for a
given exercise (isotonic training). Both groups will follow a standardized protocol for
assessing and progressing the amount of weight that is added to the dumbbell to achieve
optimal training effects.

All participants will participate in laboratory testing for various outcome measures at
baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 18 weeks (i.e. 6 weeks post intervention).

Inclusion Criteria:

- have a neurological impairment secondary to SCI or disease at T2 or lower

- greater than 6 months post injury

- use a manual wheelchair as primary means of mobility (at least 30 hrs. per week)

- 18 to 65 years of age

- provide signed medical release by primary care physician to engage in a high-intensity
resistance training exercise program

- live within 60 minutes driving time (1 hour) from the research center

- able to perform a transfer independently to and from a wheelchair

- have normal range of motion in the upper limbs.

Exclusion Criteria:

- history of fractures or dislocations in the shoulder, elbow and wrist from which the
subject has not fully recovered or joint replacement of any of the joints in the upper
extremities

- upper limb pain that interferes with the ability to propel or transfer

- recent hospitalization for any reason (within the past three months)

- pregnant women

- history of coronary artery disease, coronary bypass surgery or other
cardio-respiratory events