Virtual Reality and Whole Body Vibration on Muscle Strength and Balance in Children With DMD

Group (A) had designed physical therapy in form of Warm up with gentle stretching movements to prevent injuries. The lower limb muscles on both sides were stretched for 20 seconds, followed by 20 seconds of relaxation, five times. The quadriceps, hamstrings, anterior tibial group, calf muscles, biceps, and triceps were also contracted isometrically. Every muscle contraction was held for 5 seconds, followed by 5 seconds of relaxation, and the process was repeated five times in addition to virtual reality inform of VR program. Nintendo Wii Fit Balance Board (Nintendo, Kyoto, Japan) was used to perform the exercises. In each session, VR was used for a total of 10 minutes three times per week for three consecutive months.

Group (B) had the same physical therapy program with WBV (Power Plate Pro 5) for a total of 10 minutes per session. The apparatus was set at 30 Hz frequency, 2 mm amplitude, and 5 minutes of operating time. The children were squatted down completely on a vibrating, side-alternating platform and were told to stay that way throughout the experience, communicating any pain they felt to the researchers. The vibration feature automatically shuts off after 5 minutes. After that, the children took a one-minute break. Then, with the same settings as those used in the squatting position, children stood on the vibration platform for 5 minutes. In each session, WBV was used for a total of 10 minutes three times per week for three consecutive months.