Download Ankylosing Spondylitis And Whole Body Vibration

Ankylosing Spondylitis and Whole Body Vibration
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling between the joints in the
spine and pelvis. It is a type of arthritis that typically begins to show symptoms during teenage years or
early adulthood. Initial symptoms include pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttock region but in
a small group of individuals’ pain may be first noticed in another joint such as the hip 1. The pain
eventually becomes chronic and spreads up the back and into the ribs, shoulders, hips and heels. The
disease can eventually cause the spine to fuse, limiting an individual’s movement. Initially an individual
may also experience a low grade fever, loss of appetite and general discomfort. Also, fatigue due to
increased energy expenditure and underlying anemia may be an issue 1. Individuals may also have
inflammatory issues in the bowels and eyes (iritis or uveitis). When symptoms are mild, pain may be
relieved by a warm shower or light exercise 1. Treatment for AS may include medications, exercise, and
physical therapy. Education on good posture and other self management techniques may also be
helpful.
Recommendations in the literature stress the importance and value of exercise as a nonpharmacological intervention for the treatment of AS 2, 3. The Spondylitis Association of America also
stresses the importance of regular exercise in the treatment of AS 4. They also recommend trying to find
time everyday to exercise, even it is for only 10 minutes, to help maintain good posture, flexibility and
reduce pain. It is important to find an appropriate balance of exercise, and to never work through pain
or extreme fatigue as this could exacerbate symptoms related to AS.
There is no research that looks at the effects of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on individuals with AS.
Benefits of reduced pain and fatigue levels were found in individuals with fibromyalgia after a six week
intervention of WBV 5. One study suggested that WBV may help individuals with chronic low back pain;
however these individuals did not have a specific cause to their aliment 6. These studies were done on
specific populations and therefore the benefits cannot be assumed for other individuals. An individual
with AS should discuss the use of WBV before adding it to his/her exercise routine. It is essential the
physician understands WBV to ensure that the benefits to using the platform outweigh any potential
risks or contraindications. It is important to note that acute inflammation/active infections, active
rheumatoid arthritis, metal implants, recent artificial joints, and chronic low back pain are considered
contraindications to using WBV. This list is by no means inclusive. Contraindications are recommended
due to the lack of research in a particular area or when there is a known consequence. Without the
research it cannot be determined if the benefits to using WBV would outweigh any potential risks.
It is not recommended that an individual use WBV during an acute exacerbation of his/her condition
even if they have been cleared by a physician to use the platform. Once cleared by a physician and when
the condition is stable WBV should be initiated at a reduced intensity and duration so that an individual
can become comfortable with the machine and monitor symptoms. If an individual experiences any
increases in his/her AS symptoms, WBV should be discontinued and the new symptoms should be
discussed with a physician. If there are no changes in symptoms or an improvement occurs, the intensity
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT DIAGNOSE OR PRESCRIBE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR
HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
[email protected] www.t-zonevibration.com
and duration may be increased. Exercises can also be added at the appropriate fitness level. In general,
if an individual experiences any pain, dizziness or shortness in breath while using WBV it should be
discontinued immediately.
References
1. Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Diseases Information: Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment and
More … http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as_sym.aspx. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
2. Vliet Vlieland TP, Li LC. 2009. Rehabilitation in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis:
differences and similarities, Clincial and Experimental Rheumatology, 27, S171-8.
3. Zochling J, van der Heijde D, Burgos-Vargas R, Collantes E, Davis JC Jr, Dijkmans B, Dougados M,
Géher P, Inman RD, Khan MA, Kvien TK, Leirisalo-Repo M, Olivier I, Pavelka K, Sieper J, Stucki G,
Sturrock RD, van der Linden S, Wendling D, Böhm H, van Royen BJ, Braun J. 2006. ASAS/EULAR
recommendations for the management of ankylosing spondylitis, Annals of Rheum Dis, 65(4),
442-52.
4. Exercise. http://www.spondylitis.org/patient_resources/exercise.aspx. Retrieved March 26,
2010.
5. Alentorn-Geli E, Padilla J, Moras G, Lázaro Haro C, Fernández-Solà J. 2008. Six weeks of wholebody vibration exercise improves pain and fatigue in women with fibromyalgia, Journal of
Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(8), 975-81.
6. Rittweger J, Just K, Kautzsch K, Reeg P, Felsenberg D. 2002. Treatment of chronic lower back
pain with lumbar extension and whole-body vibration exercise: a randomized controlled trial,
Spine, 27(17), 1829-34.
Various models and machines on the market have been used for the purpose of conducting research. Also, a
variety of frequencies (speeds) and amplitudes (platform variation) which may or may not be known to us have
been used. We do not guarantee or claim users will achieve similar results with our T-Zone Whole Body Vibration
machine.
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT DIAGNOSE OR PRESCRIBE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR
HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
[email protected] www.t-zonevibration.com