The emerging role of focal muscle vibration in rehabilitation of neurological disorders.

Focal muscle vibration (FMV) is an innovative approach to enhance balance and motor control in various neurological diseases. In this technique a low-amplitude/high-frequency vibratory stimulus is applied to a specific muscle using a mechanical device. The use of FMV in rehabilitation is relatively new and it promises to be an effective tool in improving rehabilitation outcomes. Over the past few years, the use of FMV in rehabilitation has increased because of certain advantages over traditional rehabilitation techniques. These include better patient adherence to the rehabilitation protocols due to its long-lasting effects, increase in muscle mass, better blood circulation, improved bone density, reduction in joints and back pain. This mini review summarizes the available evidence on the role of FMV in rehabilitation, its effects, and scope across different clinical disorders and neurological conditions such as management of spasticity, improving gait pattern in stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.