A Literature Review on Vibrotactile Stimulation Devices for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2025

Publication Title

Clinical Biomechanics

Abstract

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. The high risks and negative side effects associated with surgical and pharmacological interventions are causing non-invasive devices to gain attention. Vibration therapy (VT) has re-emerged as a neuromodulatory device offering significant potential as an adjunctive treatment. Methods: We conducted a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases up to April 2025 to retrieve peer-reviewed studies assessing the efficacy of VT for individuals with PD. Device parameters, protocols, and study outcomes were analyzed. Findings: This review included 49 studies (n = 1352 individuals with idiopathic PD). Device modalities included locally applied vibration, whole body vibration, and physioacoustic vibration. Overall, 78 % of the studies reported significant improvements in outcomes such as gait parameters, balance, freezing of gait, and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale - Part III, Motor Examination scores. Interpretation: VT demonstrates consistent short-term motor benefits in PD, but protocol heterogeneity and underrepresentation of key subgroups underscore the need for standardized, large-scale trials.

Comments

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program under Grant No. 2239682.

DOI

10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106676

Volume

130

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