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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of whole body vibration at optimal frequency, on postural control in blind subjects. Method: Twenty-four participants, 12 congenital blind males (Experimental Group), and 12 non-disabled males with no visual impairment (Control Groups) were recruited. The area of the ellipse and the total distance of the center of pressure displacements, as postural control parameters, were evaluated at baseline (T0), immediately after the vibration (T1), after 10 min (T10) and after 20 min (T20). Whole body vibration protocol consisted into 5 sets of 1 min for each vibration, with 1 min rest between each set on a vibrating platform. Results: The total distance of center of pressure showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) amongst groups, while the area remained constant. No significant differences were detected among times of assessments, or in the interaction group × time. Conclusion: No impairments in static balance were found after an acute bout of whole body vibration at optimal frequency in blind subjects and, consequently, whole body vibration may be considered as a safe application in individuals who are blind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a rare case of Morquio syndrome, an autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharidosis including type IVA, a deficiency of N-acetylgalctosamine-6-sulfatase and type IVB a deficiency of β-galactosidase. A 43-year-old female patient affected by IVB Morquio syndrome underwent instrumental investigation. Conventional plain films of the entire spine, pelvis, chest and knees together with magnetic resonance imaging of the entire column, hip, knees, and ankles demonstrated the characteristics of skeletal changes of this disease. The main abnormalities were platyspondily and hypoplasia of the odontoid process, genua valga deformity and severe multiple degenerative changes of the hips, knees, and ankle joints. Radiographs and above all magnetic resonance imaging are crucial to provide substantial information about the gravity, evolution of the skeletal and joints changes, and the rehabilitation strategies to be followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postural instability and resulting falls are major factors determining quality of life, morbidity, and mortality in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) (1); the ability to control balance is different in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). The application of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) at low frequencies in a patient with PD influences physiological and psychological functions. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the acute effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on balance and stabilometric parameters, in a patient with PD, during the 20-min post-intervention. Postural sways of the participant was assessed with a stabilometric platform before and after WBV exposure to. Motor symptoms were assessed by the UPDRS (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale) motor score. The patient was subject to a whole body vibration session (5 set of 1 minute with 1 minute rest) at low frequencies on Double Vibe Bosco Platform. The vibration frequency used was 5 Hz. The assessment of the balance was performed at the baseline (T0), immediately after the exposure (T1), after 10 minutes (T10) and 20 minutes (T20), with Cyber Sabot Plate System. The stabilometric survey was carried out with open eyes. The postural parameters that were analyzed were the Area of the Pressure Center (AREA), Center of Pressure Total Distance (LENGTH) and Variance of Speed (S.VAR). Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (RM-Anova) was performed to evaluate significant differences among the different variables (Area,Length and S.Var), no significant differences were found for the variables analyzed. Whole body vibration (WBV) training has emerged as an alternative and effective method which allows greater short term improvement in strength and balance with less time of application. No impairments in static balance were found after an acute bout of whole body vibration at low frequency in a patient with PD, consequently, whole body vibration may be considered as a safe application in individuals with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]