The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training for Rehabilitation After ACL Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

We investigated the effects of short-term WBVT program for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction on postural control, knee position sense, and knee laxity. This review was restricted to randomized controlled trials, which investigated the rehabilitation effects of WBVT on physical function compared with conventional rehabilitation program. Data from a total of 99 participants with ACL reconstruction in 3 studies were included. Articles with high risk of bias were included based on the criteria of Cochrane Review Guideline. Furthermore, based on the International Society of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions recommendation, the lack of information on the WBV settings was found in them. Meta-analysis showed that, after WBVT intervention, no significant standardized mean difference (SMD) was observed in postural stability (n = 3; -0.58[-1.32-0.16], p = 0.13) with large heterogeneity (I2 = 67%) and knee laxity (n = 2; -0.10[-0.50-0.70], p = 0.74) with no heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%), whereas a significant SMD was observed in position sense (n = 2; SMD = -1.44[-2.22- -0.67],p = 0.0003) with large heterogeneity (I 2 = 85%). We concluded that WBVT might be a promising alternative exercise therapy for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. However, to clarify the effects of WBVT on prevention from re-injury after returning to sports activities, future studies with longer term WBVT with better quality are strongly