Imagination of movement through vibrational stimuli - a new approach to early mobilization in intensive care units? A pilot study
Abstract
The optimization of motor performance and the integration and networking of previously unused motor units, as well as the increased release of neurotrophic factors, are central mechanisms related to the vibration effect that can be applied therapeutically to individual parts of the body or to the entire body. One way to make early mobilization more effective in critically ill patients and to prevent changes due to immobility could be rehabilitation with functional proprioceptive stimulation, also known as "illusory movement".
Specifically programmed vibration sequences stimulate the nervous system with sensory information that mimics the sensation of movement (e. g., walking) and can thus support regeneration and reorganization processes in the central nervous system. This therapeutic approach is particularly important for patients who, due to their condition, cannot - or only to a limited extent - carry out conventional measures.
Since no experience has so far been available for use in intensive care patients, we carried out a pilot study to answer the question of whether this form of therapy can be used safely and in normal operations in the intensive care unit. The results of the pilot study with 5 patients showed that the use of VibramoovTM did not lead to any significant change in cardiopulmonary parameters in terms of non-tolerance and was easy to implement in a clinical setting.