GB2538047A - Vibration device and method for using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An elongate, tubular vibration device 100 with two end caps 106, 110. A motor 115 with eccentric weight 116 is mounted inside the body 102 on a flexible clamp 122, which may be made of plastic or rubber. The motor causes three dimensional cycloidal vibration, so oscillation occurs in each of the three orthogonal planes. The vibration is at frequencies of 15Hz-105Hz and amplitudes of 0.1mm-2mm. The speed of the motor is varied by a control circuit. Optionally, the device may include a tapered handle 120 with a removable applicator 121 to target the vibration. The device may include buttons 144 and a timer for control of the device. A method of using the device to reduce muscle stiffness is also claimed.

Description

VIBRATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME

[0001] This invention relates to a vibration device adapted to be applied to selected portions of the human or animal body. The invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a sinusoidal vibration device and method for using the same.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A range of trauma, exercise or chronic clinical conditions in the human or animal body can result in musculoskeletal conditions and/or high muscle tone, spasticity, muscle and tendon stiffness, associated muscle and joint pain and inflammation. In the human body, examples of such chronic clinical conditions include, spinal or joint trauma or degeneration, musculoskeletal conditions, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

[0003] In both the human and animal body physical exertion can result in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Symptoms include strength losses, pain, swelling, tenderness or stiffness and loss of: full range of motion, flexibility, force production and mobility. Underlying causes of DOMS may include muscle spasm, connective tissue damage, muscle damage, inflammation and enzyme efflux.

[0004] In multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy patients, spasticity and/or muscle tightness effecting posture and movement are common and are a progressive problem. In post-stroke patients, the prevalence of spasticity has been reported to be 19% at 3 months post-stroke and 20% at 18 months post-stroke. Spasticity can lead to muscle shortening, abnormal posture, pain and activity limitations, which are major obstacles to the rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients who have had a stroke.

[0005] Muscle spasticity may be defined as a motor disorder characterised by a velocity-dependent increase in the tonic stretch reflex with exaggerated tendon reflexes (Lance JVV, Feldman Rg, young RR, koeller c. Spasticity: disorder of motor control. Chicago, II: year book Medical; 1980, P. 485-494). Spasticity is often treated with Baclofen, which binds to and thereby activates GABAB receptors to inhibit or reduce excitation received by motor neurons. However, as is common of most pharmacological interventions, a number of undesirable side effects are associated with Baclofen, such as seizures, nausea and respiratory depression. In severe cases, surgery may be required to release a tendon and neurosurgery is occasionally used to decrease muscle overactivity in cerebral palsy patients, which implicates a number of risks to the patient. As such, it is clear that an improved, method of treating spasticity and musculoskeletal disorders with reduced risk and side effects is required.

[0006] Vibration stimulation has been found useful for the treatment of motor disorders in the animal and human body. Vibration stimulates the primary muscle spindle endings, causing la afferent impulses to be conducted to alpha motor neurones and la inhibitory interneurons in the spinal cord (De gail p, lance JVV, Neilson pd. differential effects on tonic and phasic reflex mechanisms produced by vibration of muscles in man. J Neurol Neurosurg psychiatry 1966; 29: 1-11). This afferent pathway produces involuntary contraction in the vibrated muscle, that is, a tonic vibration reflex (TVR) (Hagbarth ke, eklund g. Tonic vibration reflexes (TVR) in spasticity. brain Res 1966; 2:201-203), and inhibits the antagonist muscle.

[0007] Studies utilising vibration have been shown to reduce muscle tightness / spasticity for post stroke patients. A randomized controlled study on thirty-six post-stroke patients that were randomly allocated to a "Rest group", "Stretch group", or "Direct application of vibratory stimuli group". After relaxing in a supine posture for 30 min, subjects received the interventions for 5 min. The modified Ashworth Scales scores and F-Wave parameters were recorded before, immediately after and 30 min after each intervention. Results: The Rest group showed no significant changes in F-wave parameters and Modified Ashworth Scale Scores. The stretch group showed a tendency to decrease in F-Wave amplitude and F/M ratio immediately after the intervention, but not 30 minute later. The direct application of vibratory stimuli group showed significant improvements in F-wave parameters and modified ashworth scales scores immediately after the intervention which remained 30 mins later. The changes in F-wave parameters and modified ashworth scales scores observed in the direct application of vibratory stimuli group significantly differed from those in the Rest group and the Stretch group. Conclusion: The direct application of vibratory stimuli has anti-spastic effects in the hemiplegic upper limbs of post stroke patients. Further recent randomised controlled clinical studies on stroke patients have also shown improved muscle relaxation following vibration stimulation and physiotherapy compared to physiotherapy alone.

[0008] It concluded that -100Hz vibration applied to the triceps brachii of a spastic upper limb in association with physiotherapy is able to reduce the spasticity of the flexor agonist, biceps brachii 2) this association is better than physiotherapy alone in controlling spasticity and improving function 3) this clinically perceivable reduction of spasticity and function improvement extends for (at least 48 hours) beyond the period of application of the vibration, supporting its possible role in the rehabilitation of spastic hemiplegia.

[0009] Reduction in spasticity due to vibration therapy has also been evident in such as Cerebral Palsy. As the motor system relies heavily on deep sensory stimulation, recent studies have investigated the effect of vibration stimuli. Although research suggests a positive influence of vibration on motor performance in individuals with neurological disorders, there are very limited numbers of studies in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sound wave vibration therapy on spasticity and motor function in children with CP. In this 3-month trial, 89 children with spastic CP were randomized to either continue their physiotherapy treatment (PT) or to receive vibration therapy twice a week in addition to their PT program. The randomization was stratified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level to ensure similar functional ability. Children were assessed at baseline and after the 12-week intervention period. The outcomes measured were spasticity level as assessed by Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) and gross motor function as assessed by Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM-88). Subgroup analysis was performed for the GMFCS. Significant differences between groups were detected for changes in spasticity level and gross motor function after the three months intervention. In conclusion, vibration therapy may decrease spasticity and improve motor performance in children with CP. The results of the present trial serve as valuable input for evidence-based treatments in paediatric neuro-rehabilitation.

[0010] The non-invasive focal application of vibration therapy has been shown to increase blood flow and circulation in clinical studies. Increasing blood flow via application of non-invasive sinusoidal vibration could be additionally of benefit to musclo-skeletal conditions.

[0011] In the following study the aim was to quantify the effect of 30 min of mechanical vibration (60 Hz) using two massage devices concurrently upon local peripheral blood flow in healthy humans. On the basis of past work it was expected that acute exposure of the body to the vibratory stimulus would increase local peripheral blood flow. In a randomized cross-over design, mean blood flow (MBF) to the calf was measured using venous occlusion plethysmography before, during 3 min and after 30 min exposure to the vibratory devices or placebo (non-vibratory) devices. Statistical analysis revealed no consistent differences between conditions and considerable individual variability. The MBF increase tended to be higher in the vibration condition than the placebo condition (P=0.16, 95% likely range=- 14.4% to 82.2%), the mean increase from resting blood flow at the post-test was 26+/-49% in the vibration condition and 12+/-39% in the placebo condition. It took approximately 22 min of exposure to the vibratory stimulus to elicit peak blood flow (18 min with the placebo). Improvements in local blood flow may be beneficial in the therapeutic alleviation of pain or other symptoms resulting from acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries.

[0012] The sinusoidal vibrations produced by the invention when non-invasively applied to the knee in combination with continuous motion and heat has also found in clinical trials to help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The study evaluated the efficacy of combined mechanical vibrations, continuous passive motion (CPM) and heat on the severity of pain in management of osteoarthritis of the knee (0A-K).

[0013] In a controlled, double crossover study, 71 0A-K patients were randomized in Phase 1 to receive 4 weeks active treatment consisting of two 20-min sessions per day (34 patients, Group AB) or treatment with a sham device (37 patients, Group BA). This was followed by a 2-week washout period (Phase 2). In Phase 3, patients crossed over so that Group AB was treated with the sham device and Group BA received active treatment for an additional 4 weeks. Patient assessments of pain (visual analog scale, VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) OA index were performed at baseline and at study weeks 2, 4, 6, and 10. Net treatment effects were estimated by comparing outcomes between active and sham treatment study phases.

[0014] Results: Treatment benefits were noted for both of the trial's two pre-specified primary endpoints, VAS and WOMAC. VAS was reduced at all follow-up time points for patients receiving active treatment compared to sham treatment with a net treatment effect of 14.4+/-4.1 mm (P=0.001). Similarly, the WOMAC score was reduced significantly with active treatment at all measured points with a net effect of 8.8+/-1.9 points (P<0.001). The secondary endpoints, range of motion (ROM) and treatment satisfaction, also improved with active vs sham treatment.

[0015] CONCLUSION: Four weeks treatment with combined CPM, vibration and local heating significantly decreases pain, improves ROM and the quality of life in patients with 0A-K [0016] Primary applications in the animal body have found the vibration stimulation aids in the equine field to reduce muscular tension pre and post exercise or as part of muscular 25 rehabilitation post injury. For example, "Equissage Red Pad"( /AVow-pr.- .), provided by Niagara Healthcare Ltd is a vibratory massage device for delivering cycloidal vibrations to a horse in order to improve circulation, lymphatic drainage, relaxation and joint motility.

[0017] Vibratory devices for the treatment of human medical conditions are known.

W02010/124847 Al discloses a combination therapy for the treatment of nervous system or musculoskeletal diseases comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient and a vibratory device adapted to deliver mechanical vibrations to the human body in order to enhance the therapeutic or preventative effect of said pharmaceutically active ingredient.

[0018] Vibration stimulation is a known concept in aiding the correct drainage of the human lymphatic system. A variety of devices are available for this use, such devices generally comprising a drive motor connected to a frame and a cushion or pad located on or around at least part of the frame. Examples of such devices are available in US3019784, US3019785 and W003/088889.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0019] According to a first aspect of the present inventions there is provided a vibration device for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions resulting in muscle stiffness and/or inflammation comprising: a tubular rigid body terminated at its first end by a first end cap and terminated at its other end by a second end cap, the tubular rigid body having a longitudinal axis; a drive unit within said tubular rigid body adapted to deliver vibrations at its surface in three orthogonal directions at a frequency in each orthogonal direction of between 15Hz and 105Hz and with an amplitude in each orthogonal direction of between 0.1mm and 2mm, the drive unit further comprising: a variable speed motor, having an axis of rotation, coincident with the longitudinal axis, the variable speed motor having an eccentric weight mounted, optionally on a fan, at a first end of an armature, wherein the motor is suspended within the tubular member by at least one flexible clamp, a control circuit for controlling the motor; and wherein a profile of vibration delivered by the drive unit may be altered to deliver vibration of varying frequency and/or amplitude by increasing or decreasing motor speed.

[0020] This enables vibration treatment to be adjusted to provide a most effective vibration delivery dependent on patient condition.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one flexible clamp is plastic, rubber, or a combination of the two. This provides the advantage that vibration occurs in a direction orthogonal to the radial plane of the vibration device, resulting in three dimensional sinusoidal vibration.

[0022] Preferably, the first end cap is a hemispherical end cap.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second end cap further comprises a handle on the longitudinal axis of the tubular rigid body, optionally, wherein said handle is a tapered member protruding substantially perpendicularly from said second end cap.

[0024] Optionally, the handle further comprises a removable applicator for applying vibrations to an isolated part of the body of a user.

[0025] Preferably, the vibration device further comprises at least one button aperture on the surface thereof, to locate one or more user actuatable buttons and a circuit board having one or more button switches in a position corresponding to said one or more button apertures.

[0026] Preferably, said button apertures and user actuatable buttons are on the rigid tubular member. Alternatively, said button apertures and user actuatable buttons are on the first end cap. Alternatively still, said button apertures and user actuatable buttons are on second end cap.

[0027] Preferably, the vibration device further comprises a timer. Preferably, said timer may be set to count a predetermined period of time, after which the vibration device is switched off. Optionally, the predetermined period of time may be set by the user. Preferably, the maximum predetermined period that may be set by a user is 30 minutes. Preferably still, the predetermined period of time may be set in 2 to 5 minute intervals.

[0028] Preferably, the vibration device is powered by a rechargeable battery pack.

Alternatively, the device is directly powered by a 12v supply.

[0029] Preferably, the vibration device is portable.

[0030] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of reducing muscle stiffness and/or inflammation comprising: i) providing a vibration device as claimed in any preceding claim; ii) applying the tubular rigid body to a part of a human or animal body; iii) activating the motor to cause vibrations of the motor to be transmitted through the tubular rigid body to the part of the human or animal body; and iv) continuing said application for a preselected period of time, dependent on the condition of the part of the human or animal body.

Preferably, the method includes a further step of v) increasing or decreasing the speed of the motor over time to change a profile of vibration delivered.

[0031] Preferably, when the vibration device further comprises at least one button aperture on the surface thereof, to locate one or more user actuatable buttons and a circuit board having one or more button switches in a position corresponding to said one or more button apertures, the method further comprises the step of switching on the device using the one or more actuatable buttons prior to the step of applying the tubular rigid body to a part of a human or animal body.

[0032] Optionally, when the vibration device further comprises a timer, the method further comprises the step of setting said timer to count down from a predetermined period of time, after which the vibration device is switched off. Preferably, the predetermined period of time is settable by the user. Preferably still, the maximum predetermined period that may be set by a user is 30 minutes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a vibration device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the C\I present invention; Figure 2A is a motor assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2B is a motor assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is an exploded view of a control button assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] A preferred embodiment of a vibration device 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The vibration device 100 has a rigid tubular body 102 with a first end 104 closed by a first end cap 106 which is, in this example, hemispherical. An opposing end 108 of the tubular rigid body 102 is closed by a second end cap 110, further comprising a tapered extension 120 which, in use, also acts as a handle. The handle 120 is further provided with a removable applicator 121 which may be used to direct vibrations to a part of a human or animal body affected by musculoskeletal conditions resulting in muscle stiffness and/or inflammation. In this event, the cylindrical body 102 may serve as a handle by which to hold the device and apply the applicator to selected regions of the body. An ovular applicator pad 121 is illustrated in Figure 1, although in other embodiments, the applicator could be any one of a variety of shapes and/or sizes to best complement the part on the human or animal body to be treated.

[0035] The tubular rigid body 102 has a core (not illustrated), which extends along longitudinal axis 200 and houses motor assembly 114 shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The motor assembly 114 includes a variable speed 9V motor 115. In accordance with the embodiment depicted in Figure 2A, an eccentric weight 116 may be mounted on an armature 119 of the motor 115. Figure 2B depicts an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the weight 116 may be mounted on a fan 118 on one end of the armature 119. As illustrated by Figures 2A and 2B, the motor 115 is suspended by two removable and flexible mounting clamps 122, spaced about 50mm apart from one another along the longitudinal axis 200, these maintain the motor 115 in position within the body 102. The flexible clamps 122 are typically manufactured from plastic, rubber, or a combination thereof. On rotation of the armature, the motor 115 imparts a vibration in the motor casing in a radial plane (X,Y) with respect to the armature, which lies on the Z axis coincident with longitudinal axis 200.

The flexible clamps 122 are secured to the shaft of the variable speed 9V motor 115 using two screws and two star washers (not illustrated). The clamps 122 are relatively soft, causing a component of the vibration to occur in a direction orthogonal (Z) to the radial plane. Consequently, the vibration of the casing and thereby the vibration of the device 100 in response to the vibration of the motor 115 is three-dimensional. The device 100 delivers three dimensional vibrations at its surface at a frequency in each orthogonal direction of between 15Hz and 105Hz. Depending on various factors, primarily, the degree of restraint placed upon the device 100 by its location on the part of a person or animal, the amplitude of vibration in each direction varies between approximately 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0036] The vibration device 100 further comprises a button assembly 150 for controlling the device 100, as illustrated in Figure 3. The button assembly 150 comprises a circuit board 130, having switches 136 on its surface, in the form of switch bodies fixed on the circuit board 130. The circuit board 130 further comprises on its underside a number of circuit components (not illustrated), including a programmable chip. A top plate 132 covers the circuit board 130 and includes a plurality of button apertures 124 which receive transmission elements 126. The button assembly 150 further comprises a self-adhesive cover plate 134, which is applied to the surface 142 of the top plate 132. The cover plate 134 may be formed from a spring material and may include bubbles 140, the bubbles indicating the location of transmission element 126. The transmission elements 126, apertures 124 and bubble 140 correspond with switches 126, such that when a bubble is depressed by the user, the bubble deflects, thereby moving the transmission elements 126 and actuating the switch 136.

Optionally, the button assembly 150 may further comprise a base plate 128 to provide support to the circuit board 130.

[0037] The button assembly 150 in the example illustrated by Figure 1 is of uniform thickness and, rather than indicative bubbles 140, the self-adhesive cover plate 134 has a plurality of markings on its surface, each marking indicating to the user, the location of one of the transmission elements 126 and button switches 136 on the circuit board. Actuation of the buttons may switch the device on and off and may control the speed or profile of the three dimensional vibrations. In the particular example depicted in Figure 1, the button assembly 150 is located integrally, on the second end cap 110, but it will be appreciated that the buttons may be placed on the tubular rigid body 102, on the first end cap 106, or on the handle 120.

[0038] In the example described herein, the vibration device 100 includes a timer. The device 100 may be pre-programmed to permit the motor to be switched on and switched off at predetermined times and/or to switch off the device 100 after a predetermined period of time. The timer can be set to count the predetermined period of time, after which the device will automatically switch off. Indeed, the predetermined period of time can be set by the user or by a healthcare practitioner, set at 2 minute intervals, up to a maximum of 30 minutes. For example, the user might be instructed by a healthcare practitioner to use the device for 16 minutes a day, three times a day. The user can use the buttons described above to set a preselected countdown period of 16 minutes. This allows the user to apply the device whilst occupying themselves with other means, such as watching television, or reading a book, rather than counting on their watch or some other means. This feature provides the advantage that the device 100 can be used outside of a healthcare facility at the user's home. Furthermore, the automatic switching off after a preselected time means that the possibility of forgetting about the time and thereby accidentally applying the device to an affected body part for too long is eliminated. Further, the device 100 can be pre-programmed to permit only a predetermined number of sessions to be instigated by the user, with a predetermined period of time between each session and possibly, over a predetermined time frame. For example, if a patient is prescribed a treatment regimen of 12 minutes of treatment, for two weeks, wherein due to the condition of the patient, there must be at least four hours between each treatment, the device 100 can be pre-programmed to achieve this. After two weeks, the device will disable and prevents further operation until it is reset, for example by a special key or by a healthcare practitioner entering a security code using the buttons described above. This type of programming prompts the user to adhere more closely to a specified treatment routine and reduces the chances that the patient self-treats for too long in a session or the chance that the patient does not allow sufficient non-treatment time to elapse between sessions.

[0039] As the device 100 incorporates a variable speed motor 114, the device 100 can be pre-programmed with a variety of speed profiles, wherein the speed of the motor 115 is increased or decreased by specific constants over a period of time. Each different speed profile induces a unique vibration profile of sinusoidal vibration. This allows the device 100 to be applied to a particular area of the human or animal body without the requirement of additional supervision. A healthcare practitioner may pre-programme the device 100 with specific profiles of vibration most suitable to the condition of an affected human or animal body part.

[0040] The sinusoidal vibration unit 100 can be both directly powered by a 12v supply, but is also capable of being attached to a 12V external re-chargeable battery pack 200. The provision of a re-chargeable battery pack allows for portable use of the device and application to such as a human or animal body part in external environments. Furthermore, the re-chargeable battery pack enables portability of the device 100, meaning a user is not restricted by cables connecting to a mains power supply. For example, if a user is applying the applicator 120 to their left bicep, the user is not required to sit within close proximity to a mains supply, but is free to take the device around the house with them or outside.

[0041] In use, the vibration device 100 can be applied in a range of positions for example against muscles and joints of the upper and lower limb, under the knee and foot, or against the hip.

[0042] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0043] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0044] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (26)

1. CLAIMS1. A vibration device for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions resulting in muscle stiffness, pain and/or inflammation comprising: a tubular rigid body terminated at its first end by a first end cap and terminated at its other end by a second end cap, the tubular rigid body having a longitudinal axis; a drive unit within said tubular rigid body adapted to deliver vibrations at its surface in three orthogonal directions at a frequency in each orthogonal direction of between 15Hz and 105Hz and with an amplitude in each orthogonal direction of between 0.1mm and 2mm, the drive unit further comprising: a variable speed motor, having an axis of rotation, coincident with the longitudinal axis, the variable speed motor haying an eccentric weight mounted, optionally on a fan, at a first end of an armature, wherein the motor is suspended within the tubular member by at least one flexible clamp, a control circuit for controlling the motor, wherein a profile of vibration delivered by the drive unit may be altered to deliver vibration of varying frequency and/or amplitude by increasing or decreasing motor speed. This enables vibration treatment to be adjusted to provide a most effective vibration delivery dependent on patient condition.
2. 2. A vibration device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one flexible clamp is plastic, rubber, or a combination of the two,
3. 3. A vibration device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said first end cap is a hemispherical end cap.
4. 4. A vibration device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second end cap further comprises a handle.
5. 5. A vibration device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said handle is a tapered member protruding substantially perpendicularly from said second end cap.
6. 6. A vibration device as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the handle further comprises a removable applicator.
7. 7. A vibration device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one button aperture on the surface thereof, to locate one or more user actuatable buttons and a circuit board having one or more button switches in a position corresponding to said one or more button apertures.
8. 8. A vibration device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said button apertures and user actuatable buttons are on the rigid tubular member.
9. 9. A vibration device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said button apertures and user actuatable buttons are on the first end cap
10. 10. A vibration device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said button apertures and user actuatable buttons are on the second end cap.
11. 11. A vibration device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a timer.
12. 12. A vibration device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said timer may be set to count a predetermined period of time, after which the vibration device is switched off.
13. 13. A vibration device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the predetermined period of time is settable by the user.
14. 14. A vibration device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the maximum predetermined period that may be set by a user is 30 minutes.
15. 15. A vibration device as claimed in claim 13 or clam 14, wherein the predetermined period of time may be set in 2 to 5 minute intervals.
16. 16. A vibration device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is powered by a rechargeable battery pack
17. 17. A vibration device as claimed in any of claims 1 -15, wherein the device is directly powered by a 12v supply.
18. 18. A vibration device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is portable.
19. 19. A method of reducing muscle stiffness and/or inflammation comprising: i) providing a vibration device as claimed in any preceding claim; fi) applying the tubular rigid body to a part of a human or animal body; iii) activating the motor to cause vibrations of the motor to be transmitted through the tubular rigid body to the part of the human or animal body, and iv) continuing said application for a preselected period of time, dependent on the condition of the part of the human or animal body.v) increasing or decreasing the speed of the motor over time to change a profile of vibration delivered.
20. 20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein, when the vibration device further comprises at least one button aperture on the surface thereof, to locate one or more user actuatable buttons and a circuit board having one or more button switches in a position corresponding to said one or more button apertures, the method further comprises the step of switching on the device using the one or more actuatable buttons prior to the step of applying the tubular rigid body to a part of a human or animal body.
21. 21. A method as claimed in claim 19 or 20 further comprising the step of switching off the vibration device after steps i) -v) have been completed.
22. 22. A method as claimed in any of claims 19 -21 wherein, when the vibration device further comprises a timer, the method further comprises the step of setting said timer to count down from a predetermined period of time, after which the vibration device is switched off.
23. 23. A method as claimed in 22, wherein the predetermined period of time is set by the user.
24. 24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the maximum predetermined period that may be set by a user is 30 minutes.
25. 25. A vibration device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
26. 26. A method as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.