The immediate effect of whole-body vibration therapy on mechanical nociceptive thresholds in horses with thoracolumbar pain.

BACKGROUND: Treating primary back pain in horses can be challenging and often necessitates a multimodal approach. Whole-body vibration therapy (WBV) has been used in both horses and humans to alleviate pain and strengthen muscles. A recent study showed worsening back pain following a 30-minute session of WBV; however, the immediate effects of WBV were not evaluated. The purpose of this study was to assess the immediate effects of whole-body vibration therapy on horses with back pain after a single session of WBV. AIMS/OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to determine the immediate effects on mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs) after a single treatment of WBV in horses with thoracolumbar pain. MNTs were measured approximately 2 cms to the left and right of midline at the thoracic spine (T13, T18), lumbar spine (L3, L6), and sacrum (S2) before WBV, immediately following WBV, and 24 hours later. RESULTS: Mean MNTs were on average 0.2 times higher immediately following WBV with no significant difference from baseline (P = 0.98). Mean MNTs were on average two times lower than baseline 24 hours after WBV (P < 0.0001). Mean MNTs decreased regardless of back pathology, initial pain or location of MNTs. CONCLUSIONS: The immediate effects of WBV therapy in horses with thoracolumbar pain may result in minimal improvement in pain and may exacerbate pain when used short-term. Short-term use of WBV should be used with caution in horses with thoracolumbar pain.