The effect of whole body vibration training on auditory memory and inhibitory control of adults with visual impairment

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the immediate and short term effect of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on memory and inhibitory control in elderly with visual impairment. Method: Twenty subjects recruited were divided into WBV group and control group each with ten subjects. WBV group received passive WBV treatment (30 Hz, 2mm amplitude) standing on a vibrating platform for 10 minutes three times a week. The effects of WBV on cognitive functions of short term memory, working memory, and inhibitory control were assessed with a digit span forward task, digit span backward task and auditory inhibitory task, respectively. These abilities were assessed immediately after one 10 minute session of WBV and after 4 weeks of intervention to study the immediate and short term of WBV on cognition. Results: No significant change (immediate or short term effect) were shown in both the WBV group and the control group. Conclusion: This study showed that WBV or no intervention had no significant effect on memory and inhibitory in elderly with visual impairment. Using WBV alone may not be effective to enhance cognitive function in elderly population.