Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume 90, Issue 8 , Pages 1325-1331, August 2009

Short-Term Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Patients With Chronic Unilateral Vestibular Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Study

  • Murat Giray, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Physical Medicine, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey
    • ,
  • Yesim Kirazli, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Physical Medicine, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey
    • ,
  • Hale Karapolat, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Physical Medicine, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests to Hale Karapolat, MD, Ege University Medical Faculty Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Dept, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
    • ,
  • Nese Celebisoy, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey
    • ,
  • Cem Bilgen, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Ear Nose Throat, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey
    • ,
  • Tayfun Kirazli, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Ear Nose Throat, University of Ege, Izmir, Turkey

Abstract 

Giray M, Kirazli Y, Karapolat H, Celebisoy N, Bilgen C, Kirazli T. Short-term effects of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction: a randomized controlled study.

Objective

To evaluate the short-term effects of vestibular rehabilitation on symptom, disability, balance, and postural stability in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital.

Participants

Patients (N=42) with chronic vestibular dysfunction were divided into either a rehabilitation group (group 1) or a control group (group 2).

Interventions

Patients in group 1 were treated with a customized exercise program for 4 weeks, while the patients in the control group did not receive any treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

Subjects were assessed before and after the rehabilitation program with respect to symptoms (visual analog scale [VAS]), disability (Dizziness Handicap Inventory [DHI]), balance (Berg Balance Scale [BBS]), and postural stability (modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction on Balance [mCTSIB]).

Results

Significant improvements in all parameters (VAS, DHI, BBS, mCTSIB) were observed in group 1 (P<.05). When the 2 groups were compared, there were significant improvements in postexercise VAS, DHI (emotional, functional, physical, total), BBS, and mCTSIB (standing on a firm surface with eyes open, standing on a foam surface with eyes open, standing on a foam surface with eyes closed, mCTSIB mean) in favor of group 1 (P<.05). No significant improvements were seen in any parameters in the control group (P>.05).

Conclusions

Significant improvements were seen in symptom, disability, balance, and postural stability in chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction after an exercise program. Customized exercise programs are beneficial in treatment of chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction.

Key Word: Rehabilitation

List of Abbreviations: BBS, Berg Balance Scale, DHI, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, EC, eyes closed, EO, eyes open, mCTSIB, modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction of Balance, VAS, visual analog scale, VOR, vestibulo-ocular reflex

 

 No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit on the authors or on any organization with which the authors are associated.

PII: S0003-9993(09)00308-6

doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2009.01.032

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume 90, Issue 8 , Pages 1325-1331, August 2009

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