EFFECTS OF WHOLE BODY VIBRATION ON THE TREATMENT OF PRESSURE ULCERS IN MICE

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on the healing of pressure ulcers (PrUs) in mice. Stage II PrUs were induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury using 2 cycles of external application of two magnet plates. Male Imprinting control region mice were randomly divided into two groups (n=16 each): untreated control and WBV-treated groups. Each group was subdivided into 2 subgroups for examination on days 7 and 14. WBV was performed using vibrator (frequency 45 Hz, peak acceleration 0.4 g) 30 min/day, 5 consecutive days/week. At the end of the study, wound closure rate was measured. Tissue collagen contents were analyzed by image analysis software in Masson’s trichrome stained sections. Tissue TNF-a and VEGF were assayed using ELISA method. Skin histopathology and the amount of neutrophil infiltration were determined in hematoxylin & eosin stained sections. The results showed that on day 7, WBV-treated group exhibited a significant decrease in tissue TNF-a and neutrophil infiltration without any differences in wound closure rate, tissue VEGF and collagen deposition compared to control group. On day 14, WBV-treated group had a significant increase in wound closure rate and collagen deposition, and a decrease in tissue TNF-a and neutrophil infiltration, but tissue VEGF did not differ compared to the untreated controls. Histopathology of the ulcers in WBV-treated group revealed decreased inflammatory cells on day 7, and increased epithelialization on day 14 compared to controls. In conclusion, WBV facilitates the healing, increases collagen deposition and epithelialization and decreases wound inflammation in mice model of PrUs.