Acute effect of local vibration stimulus with low frequency on hand motor function

Objective: To investigate the acute effect of local vibration stimulus with low frequency on hand control ability, flexibility, grip strength, and muscle EMG activity. Methods: 10 subjects in this study held a vibrator for 20 seconds with isometric contraction at the vibration frequency of 12.5 Hz (vibration group, VIB) or with only isometric contraction (control group, CON). The same procedure measurement, including control ability, flexibility, grip strength, and muscle activity, were recorded both at pre-stimulus (pre-test) and 60-second after stimulus (post-test), respectively. Paired-t test was used to compare the values between pre-test and post-test and the changing rate between groups. Results: The control ability and flexibility in pre-post test showed significant improvement after VIB intervention in VIB (P<0.05). The changing rate of grip strength and EMG in VIB was significantly higher than those in CON (P<0.05). Conclusions: Acute local vibration stimulus with low frequency can be used to improve the hand control ability and flexibility for those who need better hand functional ability in the future.