Research into OI

Whole Body Vibration study at Birmingham Children’s Hospital

Whole body vibration is a new treatment option to improve mobility, muscle strength and possibly bone strength. We are inviting children between 5 and 18 years of age with osteogenesis imperfecta (type 1 or 4) to take part in a randomized controlled trial at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Inclusion criteria include a mild to moderately decreased mobility, minimum requirement is the ability to rise from a chair. Children need to be either off bisphosphonates for more than 6 months or on bisphosphonates for more than 2 years. We will be testing whether daily vibration training (2x10min) for 5 months improves mobility, balance, muscle strength, and bone strength. Children will be trained to use the vibration device and subsequently the device will be delivered to the child’s home, where training will be supervised and monitored by a physiotherapist.

Families interested in taking part should contact Dr Hogler or Dr Shaw at the Department of Endocrinology, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Tel 0121 333 8189