Reabilitação vestibular: sua efetividade após a alta / Vestibular rehabilitation: Its effectiveness after discharge / Rehabilitación vestibular: su efectividad después del alta

ntrodução: A reabilitação vestibular é um tratamento para tontura crônica que utiliza exercícios personalizados visando restaurar o controle postural e reduzir a tontura. Pouco se discute na literatura sobre os benefícios em longo prazo desta intervenção. Objetivos: Descrever o perfil dos pacientes atendidos no Ambulatório de Reabilitação Vestibular e verificar a melhora do equilíbrio corporal após a alta fonoaudiológica. Métodos: Foram colhidas informações acerca dos dados sociodemográficos, diagnóstico, tratamento anterior e queixas existentes. As informações foram obtidas por contato telefônico e acesso aos prontuários. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente utilizando nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Participaram 26 indivíduos, sendo 21 (80,8%) do gênero feminino, com média de idade de 67 anos. A queixa principal foi tontura não rotatória. O resultado do teste vestibular mais comum foi hipofunção vestibular unilateral. Dentre os entrevistados, 25 (96,2%) relataram melhora dos sintomas com o tratamento, com redução da pontuação obtida no Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Sete participantes (26,9%) permaneceram assintomáticos desde o término da reabilitação. Aqueles que relataram ainda sentirem tontura, descreveram que esta possui menor intensidade que no período anterior à intervenção.Conclusão: Houve prevalência de indivíduos do gênero feminino, idosos, com ensino fundamental incompleto, sem diagnóstico otoneurológico estabelecido, com queixa de tontura não rotatória e resultado do teste vestibular de hipofunção vestibular unilateral.A reabilitação vestibular foi eficaz para redução dos sintomas apresentados. A exposição sucessiva aos exercícios após o tratamento auxilia na manutenção do equilíbrio. Contudo, a adesão à realização dos exercícios após a alta ainda é baixa. (AU)

Introduction: Vestibular rehabilitation is a treatment for chronic dizziness that uses personalized exercises aimed at restoring postural control and reducing dizziness. There is little discussion in the literature about the long-term benefits of this intervention. Objectives: To describe the profile of patients seen at the Vestibular Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic and verify body balance improvement after speech-language-hearing therapy discharge. Methods: Sociodemographic data, diagnosis, previous treatment, and existing complaints were collected. The information was obtained via phone calls and medical records. The data were statistically analyzed using a significance level of 5%. Results: 26 individuals participated, of whom 21 (80.8%) were female, with a mean age of 67 years. The main complaint was non-rotational dizziness. The most common vestibular test result was unilateral vestibular hypofunction. Among the interviewees, 25 (96.2%) reported improved symptoms after the treatment, with reduced Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores. Seven participants (26.9%) remained asymptomatic since the end of rehabilitation. Those who still reported dizziness described it as less intense than before the intervention. Conclusion: There was a prevalence of females, older adults with incomplete middle school, no established otoneurological diagnosis, complaint of non-rotational dizziness, and vestibular test results of unilateral vestibular hypofunction. Vestibular rehabilitation effectively reduced the symptoms. Successive exposure to exercises after treatment helps maintain balance. However, adherence to exercise after discharge is still low. (AU)

Introducción: La rehabilitación vestibular es un tratamiento para la vértigo crónico que utiliza ejercicios personalizados con el objetivo de restaurar el control postural y reducir el vértigo. Hay poco debate en la literatura sobre los beneficios a largo plazo de esta intervención. Objetivos: Describir el perfil de los pacientes atendidos en el Ambulatorio de Rehabilitación Vestibular y verificar la mejora del equilibrio corporal después del alta fonoaudiológica. Métodos: Se recopilaron información sobre datos sociodemográficos, diagnóstico, tratamiento previo y quejas que aún persistían. La información se obtuvo por contacto telefónico y acceso a los registros médicos. Los datos se analizaron estadísticamente utilizando un nivel de significación del 5%. Resultados: Participaron 26 individuos, siendo 21 (80,8%) del género femenino, con una edad promedio de 67 años. La queja principal fue vértigo no rotatorio. El resultado del examen vestibular más común fue hipofunción vestibular unilateral. Entre los entrevistados, 25 (96,2%) informaron una mejora en los síntomas con el tratamiento, con una reducción en la puntuación obtenida en el Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Siete participantes (26,9%) permanecieron asintomáticos desde el final de la rehabilitación. Aquellos que informaron que todavía experimentaban vértigo describieron que este tenía una intensidad menor que en el período anterior a la intervención. Conclusión: Hubo una prevalencia de individuos del género femenino, ancianos, con educación primaria incompleta, sin un diagnóstico otoneurológico establecido, con queja de vértigo no rotatorio y un resultado del examen vestibular de hipofunción vestibular unilateral. La rehabilitación vestibular fue efectiva para reducir los síntomas presentados. La exposición sucesiva a los ejercicios después del tratamiento ayuda a mantener el equilibrio. Sin embargo, la adherencia a la realización de los ejercicios después del alta sigue siendo baja. (AU)

Comparação do nível de confiança para realização de atividades diárias pré e pós reabilitação vestibular em pacientes com disfunção vestibular / Comparison of the level of confidence to perform daily activities before and after vestibular rehabilitation in patients with vestibular dysfunction / Comparación del nivel de confianza para la realización de actividades diarias antes y después de la rehabilitación vestibular en pacientes con disfunción vestibular

Introdução: A reabilitação vestibular (RV) surge como uma opção terapêutica em casos de tontura e desequilíbrio postural. O The Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC Scale) é um questionário utilizado para avaliar a interferência destes sintomas vestibulares por meio do nível de confiança dos indivíduos em realizar atividades diárias que envolvem o equilíbrio postural. Objetivo: comparar o nível de confiança na realização de atividades diárias relacionadas ao equilíbrio corporal, pré e pós reabilitação vestibular (RV) em pacientes com disfunção vestibular. Método: Estudo primário, intervencional, clínico, longitudinal, prospectivo, analítico, não controlado. Participaram 14 indivíduos, do sexo feminino e masculino, portadores de vestibulopatia periférica. Foi aplicado o Activities-specific Balance Confidance Scale (ABC Scale) nas condições pré e pós RV. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva e inferencial, pelos testes Exato de Fisher, t-Sudent e o modelo linear de efeitos mistos. Resultados: A amostra se caracterizou por 78.57% do sexo feminino e 21.43% do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 59.21 anos. Observou-se diferença estatística quando comparados os resultados do ABC Scale nas condições pré e pós RV (p<0.0001). Não foi verificada diferença estatística entre os escores deste instrumento com as variáveis sexo, idade e número de sessões terapêuticas. Conclusão: Foi possível concluir que o nível de confiança dos pacientes dessa amostra modificou de baixo, na fase pré reabilitação, para alto, na fase final da intervenção, o que consolida a ocorrência do aumento no nível de confiança que acarretou melhoria na qualidade de vida. (AU)

Introduction: Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) appears as a therapeutic option in cases of dizziness and postural imbalance. The Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC Scale) is a questionnaire used to assess the interference of these vestibular symptoms with the individuals' level of confidence to carry out daily activities involving postural balance. Objective: to compare the level of confidence to carry out daily activities related to body balance, before and after VR, in patients with vestibular dysfunction. Method: Primary, interventional, clinical, longitudinal, prospective, analytical, and noncontrolled study. The sample comprised 14 male and female individuals with peripheral vestibulopathy. The ABC Scale was applied before and after VR. Descriptive and inferential data analysis were performed, using Fisher's Exact test, Student's t-test, and the linear mixed-effects model. Results: The sample had 78.57% females and 21.43% males, with a mean age of 59.21 years. There was a statistical difference in ABC Scale results before and after VR (p < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference between its scores and sex, age, or the number of therapy sessions. Conclusion: It was concluded that this study patients' confidence level changed from low in the pre-rehabilitation phase, to high in the final phase of the intervention, which consolidates the increase in confidence level that led to an improvement of quality of life. (AU)

Introducción: La rehabilitación vestibular (RV) aparece como una opción terapéutica en casos de mareos y desequilibrio postural. La Escala de Confianza en el Equilibrio Específica de Actividades (Escala ABC) es un cuestionario utilizado para evaluar la interferencia de estos síntomas vestibulares a través del nivel de confianza de los individuos en la realización de actividades diarias que involucran el equilibrio postural. Objetivo: comparar el nivel de confianza en la realización de actividades cotidianas relacionadas con el equilibrio corporal, pre y post rehabilitación vestibular (RV) en pacientes con disfunción vestibular. Método: Estudio primario, intervencionista, clínico, longitudinal, prospectivo, analítico, no controlado. Participaron 14 individuos, hombres y mujeres y con vestibulopatía periférica. La Escala de Confianza del Equilibrio Específica de Actividades (Escala ABC) se aplicó en condiciones previas y posteriores a la RV. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis descriptivo e inferencial mediante la prueba exacta de Fisher, t-Sudent y el modelo lineal de efectos mixtos. Resultados: La muestra se caracterizó por 78,57% del sexo femenino y 21,43% del masculino, con una edad media de 59,21 años. Hubo diferencia estadística al comparar los resultados de la Escala ABC en condiciones pre y post RV (p<0,0001). No hubo diferencia estadística entre los puntajes de este instrumento con las variables sexo, edad y número de sesiones terapéuticas. Conclusión: Fue posible concluir que el nivel de confianza de los pacientes de esta muestra pasó de bajo, en la fase de pre-rehabilitación, a alto, en la fase final de la intervención, lo que consolida la ocurrencia del aumento en el nivel de confianza que llevó a una mejora en la calidad de vida. (AU)

Habilidades cognitivas em idosos com disfunção vestibular submetidos à reabilitação vestibular ­ estudo piloto / Cognitive skills in older people with vestibular dysfunction undergoing vestibular rehabilitation ­ A pilot study / Habilidades cognitivas en ancianos con disfunción vestibular en rehabilitación vestibular ­ estudio piloto

Introdução: estudos relatam melhora de habilidades cognitivas após a reabilitação vestibular, porém estes estudos utilizaram testes de rastreio cognitivo ou avaliaram habilidades cognitivas específicas, não contemplando uma avaliação cognitiva detalhada. Objetivo: avaliar as habilidades cognitivas, sintomas depressivos, funcionalidade e aspectos sociodemográficos de idosos com disfunção vestibular antes e após a reabilitação vestibular. Método: estudo longitudinal, quase experimental e analítico. A casuística foi composta por 11 idosos com idade entre 60 e 89 anos, ambos os sexos, todos com disfunção vestibular comprovada por meio dos exames VEMP e/ou v-HIT. Os participantes foram submetidos à avaliação cognitiva, da funcionalidade e dos sintomas depressivos antes e após oito sessões semanais de RV.Resultados: encontrou-se associação entre o MEEM com a escolaridade e com o DHI; o questionário de Pfeffer correlacionou-se com o DHI; a GDS-15 com a EVA e a EEB. Após a RV observou-se melhora do ganho do canal semicircular anterior direito, da EVA, do DHI e suas subescalas físico, funcional e emocional; GDS-15, Neupsilin total e suas subescalas percepção, memória e praxia. Conclusão: após a reabilitação vestibular houve aumento do ganho do reflexo vestíbulo-ocular, diminuição dos impactos causados pela tontura na qualidade de vida e do sofrimento psicológico, além da melhora da função cognitiva geral e das habilidades de percepção, memória e praxia.(AU)

Introduction: Studies have reported improved cognitive skills after vestibular rehabilitation (VR). However, they used cognitive screening tests or other ones that assess specific cognitive skills, not assessing cognition in detail. Objective: To assess cognitive skills, depressive symptoms, functioning, and sociodemographic aspects in older adults with vestibular dysfunction before and after vestibular rehabilitation. Method: Longitudinal, analytical, quasi-experimental study. The sample had 11 older adults aged 60 to 89 years, of both sexes, all of them with vestibular dysfunction verified with VEMP and/or vHIT examination. Participants were submitted to cognitive, functioning, and depressive symptoms assessment before and after eight weekly VR sessions. Results: MMSE was associated with educational attainment and DHI; the Pfeffer questionnaire was correlated with DHI; GDS-15 was correlated with VAS and BBS. After VR, there were improvements in gain in the right anterior semicircular canal, VAS, DHI and its physical, functional, and emotional subscales, GDS-15, and Neupsilin total score and its perception, memory, and praxis subscales. Conclusion: After VR, the vestibulo-ocular reflex gain increased, the impacts of dizziness on the quality of life and the psychological suffering decreased, and the overall cognitive function and perception, memory, and praxis skills improved. (AU)

Introducción: los estudios informan mejoría en las habilidades cognitivas después de la rehabilitación vestibular, pero estos estudios utilizaron pruebas de detección cognitiva o evaluaron habilidades cognitivas específicas, no contemplando una evaluación cognitiva detallada. Objetivo: evaluar habilidades cognitivas, síntomas depresivos, funcionalidad y aspectos sociodemográficos de ancianos con disfunción vestibular antes y después de la rehabilitación vestibular. Método: estudio longitudinal, cuasi-experimental y analítico. La casuística estuvo constituida por 11 ancianos con edades entre 60 y 89 años, de ambos sexos, todos con disfunción vestibular comprobada mediante exámenes VEMP y/o v-HIT. Los participantes se sometieron a una evaluación de síntomas cognitivos, funcionales y depresivos antes y después de ocho sesiones semanales de rehabilitación vestibular. Resultados: se encontró asociación entre el MMSE con la educación y con el DHI; el cuestionario de Pfeffer correlacionó con el DHI; el GDS-15 con el EVA y el EEB. Después de la RV, hubo una mejora en la ganancia del canal semicircular anterior derecho, la EVA, el DHI y sus subescalas física, funcional y emocional; GDS-15, Neupsilina total y sus subescalas percepción, memoria y praxis. Conclusión: después de la rehabilitación vestibular, hubo aumento en la ganancia del reflejo vestíbulo-ocular, disminución de los impactos causados por el mareo en la calidad de vida y el sufrimiento psicológico, mejoría en la función cognitiva general y en las habilidades de percepción, memoria y praxis. (AU)

Effectiveness of virtual reality-based programs as vestibular rehabilitative therapy in peripheral vestibular dysfunction: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) interventional programs as a vestibular rehabilitative method for patients with uncompensated peripheral vestibular disorders. METHODS: The databases PubMed, Google scholar, Embase and Cochrane Library were used (up to July 2021). Studies selected in this study were controlled trials in which virtual reality was used as vestibular rehabilitative therapy in comparison to any other vestibular rehabilitative methods or medical or dietary recommendations. Comparison was made in at least one of these outcomes measures; Subjective measures such as Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Vertigo Symptom Scale-Short Form questionnaire, Activities-specific Balance Confidence questionnaire, Dizziness Analogue Scale or Visual Analogue Scale, besides objective measures as posturography. Six articles were included in the meta-analysis; tested for heterogeneity of the estimates using chi-squared and I2 tests, outcomes were expressed as mean difference and 95% CI. Estimates from included studies were pooled using the random-effect model. RESULTS: virtual reality as a vestibular rehabilitative intervention was able to improve scores of Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Vertigo Symptom Scale-Short Form questionnaire, Visual Analogue sale and posturography as outcome measures of vestibular rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: virtual reality has a potential clinical benefit for vestibular rehabilitation in peripheral vestibular dysfunction compared with conventional vestibular rehabilitation methods. However, further research is needed to document the exact parameters of an optimal protocol for virtual reality rehabilitation, the period needed for effective rehabilitation and its side effects.

Tai chi as an adjunctive therapy for individuals who plateau after vestibular rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of tai chi on balance in patients with improved but persistent dizziness and imbalance following completion of traditional vestibular rehabilitation therapy. METHOD: Patients who completed vestibular rehabilitation therapy with persistent imbalance were prospectively enrolled in a tai chi programme comprising eight weekly classes. Balance was assessed before the first and after the eighth session using the Dynamic Gait Index, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. RESULTS: A total of 37 participants (34 females, 3 males) completed the programme with balance testing. Mean age was 76.8 years (range, 56-91 years). Mean Dynamic Gait Index significantly increased after completion of tai chi (p < 0.00001). Mean Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale score increased from 63.6 to 67.9 per cent (p = 0.046). A subset (n = 18) of patients completed a Dizziness Handicap Inventory without significant post-therapeutic change (p = 0.62). Most (36 of 37; 97.3 per cent) patients demonstrated post-therapy improvement on one or more assessments. CONCLUSION: Tai chi is a viable adjunct to improve balance in patients who complete a vestibular rehabilitation therapy programme.

How do patients with chronic dizziness experience a web-based home rehabilitation programme for customised vestibular therapy ('WeBaVeR')? A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is the first choice approach for chronic dizziness. However, current home treatment programmes often lack attention to the individual needs of the patient and the integration of visual desensitisation therapy. We therefore developed a customised web-based VRT programme containing visual desensitisation exercises. OBJECTIVE: To assess the user experience (usability, satisfaction, acceptability, and quality) of patients with chronic dizziness with the customised WEb-BAsed VEstibular Rehabilitation, further called 'WeBaVeR'. METHODS: Patients with chronic dizziness, attending the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Antwerp University Hospital (period September 2021 to May 2022), received a customised programme, i.e. exercises supported by our web application and booklet. The programme lasted 6 weeks, with weekly supervision by phone. Patients' user experience was examined with the System Usability Scale (SUS), Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ), Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ), and the User version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). RESULTS: Twelve patients with chronic dizziness (mean age: 45.33 ± 13.26 years) participated. The overall rated level of perceived usability (mean SUS score: 78.75 ± 8.95 points), satisfaction (mean CSQ score: 33.08 ± 3.37 points), acceptability (mean SUTAQ score: 105.67 ± 13.40 points) and quality (mean uMARS score: 94.58 ± 10.69 points) was good. The main remarks concerned the user interface and the interactive capabilities of the web application, and that WeBaVeR does not increase health awareness, or accessibility to health care providers. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic dizziness consider WeBaVeR as useful, acceptable, satisfactory and of good quality. To facilitate implementation in practice, further optimisation of WeBaVeR based on the feedback received, is useful.

Terapia de rehabilitación vestibular en alteración mixta (central y periférica). Reporte de un caso / Vestibular rehabilitation therapy in mixed (central and peripheral) disorder. A case report

La terapia de rehabilitación vestibular es el tratamiento con mayor evidencia en la recuperación para la mayoría de los trastornos de equilibrio. En los casos que presentan una alteración estable del procesamiento central del equilibrio, o mixta, es decir, acompañada de una alteración a nivel del sistema nervioso periférico, la terapia de rehabilitación vestibular no se excluye como tratamiento. No obstante, los progresos suelen ser limitados y requieren de una mayor cantidad de sesiones. En este trabajo analizaremos un caso mixto, un paciente con síndrome de núcleo fastigial y el vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno (VPPB), desde la pesquisa y evaluación hasta el tratamiento y alta, en el Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is the treatment with the greatest evidence of recovery for most balance disorders. In the cases that have a loss of central balance processing, or mixed, that is, stable accompanied by a disorder of the peripheral nervous system the vestibular rehabilitation therapy is not excluded as a treatment; however, progress is usually limited and requires a greater number of sessions. In this work we will analyse a mixed case, a patient with nucleus fastigial syndrome and a benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, from the investigation and evaluation to the treatment and discharge, at the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile.

Rehabilitation to Improve Gaze and Postural Stability in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) frequently experience dizziness and imbalance that may be caused by central vestibular system dysfunction. Vestibular rehabilitation may offer an approach for improving dysfunction in these people. OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of a gaze and postural stability (GPS) retraining intervention compared to a strength and endurance (SAE) intervention in PwMS. METHODS: About 41 PwMS, with complaints of dizziness or history of falls, were randomized to either the GPS or SAE groups. Following randomization participants completed 6-weeks of 3×/week progressive training, delivered one-on-one by a provider. Following intervention, testing was performed at the primary (6-weeks) and secondary time point (10-weeks). A restricted maximum likelihood estimation mixed effects model was used to examine changes in the primary outcome of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) between the 2 groups at the primary and secondary time point. Similar models were used to explore secondary outcomes between groups at both timepoints. RESULTS: Thirty-five people completed the study (17 GPS; 18 SAE). The change in the DHI at the primary time point was not statistically different between the GPS and SAE groups (mean difference = 2.33 [95% CI -9.18, 12.85]). However, both groups demonstrated significant improvement from baseline to 6-weeks (GPS -8.73; SAE -7.31). Similar results were observed for secondary outcomes and at the secondary timepoint. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of PwMS with complaints of dizziness or imbalance, 6-weeks of GPS training did not result in significantly greater improvements in dizziness handicap or balance compared to 6-weeks of SAE training.

Central vestibular dysfunction: don't forget vestibular rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is now a subject of active studies and has been shown to be effective for multiple vestibular disorders, peripheral or central. VR is a physical therapy that helps train the central nervous system to compensate for vestibular dysfunction. There is moderate to strong evidence that VR is safe and effective for the management of peripheral vestibular dysfunction. Nonetheless, the studies on how VR works on central vestibular dysfunction remains scanty. AREAS COVERED: This article addressed the rehabilitation strategies and possible mechanisms, including how central vestibular function might improve upon rehabilitation. In addition, it provides some examples concerning the effect of VR on central vestibular dysfunction. EXPERT OPINION: VR works on the vestibular system through repetition of specific physical exercises that activate central neuroplastic mechanisms to achieve adaptive compensation of the impaired functions. VR has become a mainstay in the management of patients with dizziness and balance dysfunction. Individualized VR programs are a safe and effective treatment option for a large percentage of patients with central vestibular disease reporting imbalance and dizziness. Exploration of various treatment strategies and possible mechanisms will help develop the best and personalized VR treatment for patients with central vestibular dysfunction.

Innovative System for Evaluation and Rehabilitation of Human Imbalance.

<b>Introduction:</b> Mobile posturography is based on wearable inertial sensors; it allows to test static stability (static posturography) and gait disturbances. </br> </br> <b>Aim:</b> The aim of this work was to present the results of research on the innovative MEDIPOST system used for diagnosis and rehabilitation of balance disorders. </br> </br> <b>Material and methods:</b> Fourteen articles published in influenced foreign journals were presented and discussed. The deve-lopment and construction of the device was preceded by a literature review and methodological work. The Dizziness Handi-cap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire was translated and validated. The methodology of posturography with head movements with a frequency of 0.3 Hz was also developed in the group with chronic vestibular disorders. Simultaneous measurements were performed (static posturogrphy vs. MEDIPOST) in the CTSIB-M (Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance) test in healthy subjects and patients with unilateral peripheral dysfunction.</br> </br> <b>Results:</b> In the posturography with head movements the improvement of sensitivity (67 to 74%) and specificity (65 to 71%) was noted. In the CTSIB-M test the intraclass correlation coefficients for both methods were 0.9. The greatest differences between examinations were observed for the mean angular velocity in the tests on the foam (trials no. 3 and 4), in particular on the foam with eyes closed (trial no. 4 - sensitivity 86.4%, specificity 87.7%). Two functional tests were analyzed: the Swap Seats test and the 360 degree turn test. In the former, the results are studied from 6 sensors - 86% of the true positives and 73% of the true negatives for the fall/ no-fall group classification. The second test differentiates people with vestibular impairment and healthy people. It can be analyzed with 1 (sensitivity 80%) and 6 sensors (sensitivity 86%, specificity 84%). Currently, the MEDIPOST device is in the development and certification phase.

Contextual sensory integration training via head mounted display for individuals with vestibular disorders: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: Virtual reality (VR) interventions can simulate real-world sensory environments. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a novel VR application (app) developed for a Head Mounted Display (HMD) to target dizziness, imbalance and sensory integration in a functional context for patients with vestibular disorders. Here we describe the design of the app as well as self-reported and functional outcomes in vestibular patients before and after participating in vestibular rehabilitation using the app. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our app includes a virtual street, airport, subway or a park. The clinician controls the visual and auditory load including several levels of direction, amount and speed of virtual pedestrians. Clinicians enrolled 28 patients with central (mild-traumatic brain injury [mTBI] or vestibular migraine) and peripheral vestibular disorders. We recorded the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, Visual Vertigo Analogue Scale (VVAS), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), 8-foot up and go (8FUG) and Four-Step Square Test (FSST) before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Within the 15 patients who completed the study, 12 with peripheral hypofunction showed significant improvements on the VVAS (p = 0.02), DHI (p = 0.008) and ABC (p = 0.02) and a small significant improvement on the FSST (p = 0.015). Within-session changes in symptoms were minimal. Two patients with mTBI showed important improvements, but one patient with vestibular migraine, did not. CONCLUSION: HMD training within increasingly complex immersive environments appears to be a promising adjunct modality for vestibular rehabilitation. Future controlled studies are needed to establish effectiveness.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONVirtual Reality allows for gradual introduction of complex semi-real visual environments.Within VR training patients can re-learn to maintain balance when presented with a sensory conflict in a safe environment.Head Mounted Display training appears to be a promising adjunct modality for vestibular rehabilitation.Portability and affordability of the hardware and software enhance the potential clinical outreach.

Evaluating the usefulness of Ninjin'yoeito Kampo medicine in combination with rehabilitation therapy in patients with frailty complicated by intractable dizziness.

Patients with chronic intractable dizziness (henceforth referred to as "intractable dizziness") have a high risk of developing frailty complications. This warrants investigation of a combined treatment for intractable dizziness and frailty. Ninjin'yoeito (NYT), a traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo medicine), is reportedly effective in treating frailty and sarcopenia. Herein, we report on the results of a retrospective study that involved the combined application of NYT and dizziness rehabilitation therapy (henceforth referred to as "dizziness rehabilitation"). Of the 31 patients with intractable dizziness, 14 developed frailty, indicating a complication rate of 45.2%. This in turn was approximately 4 times higher than the previously reported rates. Eleven patients became non-frail after 6 months of the combined treatment, and their improvement rate was 78.6%. The aforementioned combination therapy not only improved dizziness but also improved frailty. Following 6 months of combined treatment, patients in the frailty group exhibited improvement in the Dizziness Handicap Inventory score, frailty symptoms, Kihon checklist score, and visual analog scale score (fatigue), and approached the pre-treatment values of those in the non-frailty group. Together, our results highlight the need to combine the treatment for intractable dizziness and frailty.

Effect of vestibular rehabilitation on change in health-related quality of life in patients with dizziness and balance problems after traumatic brain injury: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Secondary analysis, testing the effect on change in health-related quality of life of group-based vestibular rehabilitation in patients with mild-moderate traumatic brain injury, dizziness and -balance problems. DESIGN: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS: A total of 65 patients aged 16-60 years with a Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire dizziness score ≥2, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory score >15 points. Data collection was performed at baseline 3.5 (standard deviation (SD) 2.1) months post-injury, end of intervention, and 4.4 (SD 1.0) months after baseline. METHODS: Quality of Life after Brain Injury was the main outcome. Independent variables were demographic and injury variables, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, changes on the Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ3 physical and RPQ13 psychological/cognitive), and Vertigo Symptom Scale-Short Form. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 39.4 years (SD 13.0); 70.3% women. Predictors of change in the Quality of Life after Brain Injury were receiving the vestibular rehabilitation (p=0.049), baseline psychological distress (p=0.020), and change in RPQ3 physical (p=0.047) and RPQ13 psychological/cognitive (p=0.047). Adjusted R2 was 0.399, F=6.13, p<0.001. CONCLUSION: There was an effect in favour of the intervention group in improvement in health-related quality of life. Changes on the Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire were also associated with change on the Quality of Life after Brain Injury.

Effects of using cane and vestibular rehabilitation on the walking function in elderly patients with dizziness.

OBJECTIVE: Adults over the age of 65 years with balance disorders are at about twice the risk of falls, compared with those without balance disorders. Falls contribute to about 74% of the proximal femoral fractures commonly seen in the elderly. Since balance disorders are more prevalent in older adults than in younger adults, it is important to deal with balance disorders in older adults to prevent falls and the resulting deterioration in their ADL (activity of daily living). In this study, we investigated the effects of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) and cane use on improving gait and balance in patients aged over 65 years with balance disorder. METHODS: Patients aged over 65 years presenting to the Department of Otolaryngology at St. Marianna University School of Medicine between July 1 and November 1, 2018, with symptoms of dizziness for ≥ 3 months and a Japanese translation of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory score of ≥ 26 were included in the study. We quantitatively analyzed their gait before and after VR, and with and without the use of a cane. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients participated in the study (14 women; mean age 73.9 ± 6.9 years). Before VR, using a cane made no difference to step length or walking speed. After VR, using a cane increased step length from 50.5 cm (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.4-53.7 cm) to 52.0 cm (95% CI, 48.9-55.1 cm) (p = 0.039). There was no change in walking speed. A comparison of walking assessment results while using a cane before and after VR showed that step length increased from 49.9 cm (95% CI, 46.6-53.2 cm) to 52.0 cm (95% CI, 48.9-55.1 cm) (p = 0.005), and walking speed increased from 90.5 cm/s (95% CI, 82.7-98.4 cm/s) to 96.1 cm/s (95% CI, 88.3-103.9 cm/s) (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Walking speed and step length with the use of a cane significantly improved following VR. VR and cane use may act synergistically to improve walking.

Usefulness of Mobile Devices in the Diagnosis and Rehabilitation of Patients with Dizziness and Balance Disorders: A State of the Art Review.

OBJECTIVE: The gold standard for objective body posture examination is posturography. Body movements are detected through the use of force platforms that assess static and dynamic balance (conventional posturography). In recent years, new technologies like wearable sensors (mobile posturography) have been applied during complex dynamic activities to diagnose and rehabilitate balance disorders. They are used in healthy people, especially in the aging population, for detecting falls in the older adults, in the rehabilitation of different neurological, osteoarticular, and muscular system diseases, and in vestibular disorders. Mobile devices are portable, lightweight, and less expensive than conventional posturography. The vibrotactile system can consist of an accelerometer (linear acceleration measurement), gyroscopes (angular acceleration measurement), and magnetometers (heading measurement, relative to the Earth's magnetic field). The sensors may be mounted to the trunk (most often in the lumbar region of the spine, and the pelvis), wrists, arms, sternum, feet, or shins. Some static and dynamic clinical tests have been performed with the use of wearable sensors. Smartphones are widely used as a mobile computing platform and to evaluate the results or monitor the patient during the movement and rehabilitation. There are various mobile applications for smartphone-based balance systems. Future research should focus on validating the sensitivity and reliability of mobile device measurements compared to conventional posturography. CONCLUSION: Smartphone based mobile devices are limited to one sensor lumbar level posturography and offer basic clinical evaluation. Single or multi sensor mobile posturography is available from different manufacturers and offers single to multi-level measurements, providing more data and in some instances even performing sophisticated clinical balance tests.

Acceptance and commitment therapy combined with vestibular rehabilitation for persistent postural-perceptual dizziness: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the feasibility of acceptance and commitment therapy for persistent postural-perceptual dizziness and preliminarily verified the long-term effectiveness of the therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study implemented the within-group pre-post comparison design. We enrolled 27 adult patients who met the criteria of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness. They underwent a treatment program including acceptance and commitment therapy combined with vestibular rehabilitation once a week for a total of six sessions. The primary outcome was changes in the Dizziness Handicap Inventory score 6 months posttreatment. RESULTS: All 27 patients completed the acceptance and commitment therapy + vestibular rehabilitation program, and 25 patients (92.6%) could be followed for 6 months posttreatment. For 27 participants, the scores from pretreatment to 6 months posttreatment significantly declined (P < .001), and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory effect size was 1.11 (95% confidence interval = 0.80-1.42). At 6 months posttreatment, 11 patients (40.7%) achieved remission (the score ≤ 14), 16 (59.3%) achieved treatment response (reduction in the score ≥ 18), and 20 (74.1%) achieved remission and/or treatment response. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptance and commitment therapy is feasible for persistent postural-perceptual dizziness and might have long-term effectiveness. However, a randomized controlled trial is warranted.

The efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Vestibular rehabilitation leads to a gradual diminution of the subjective and objective symptoms that accompany the vestibular disorders. The aim of the study was to compare the impact of 2 different types of vestibular rehabilitation on vestibular compensation in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on a group of 58 subjects (43 females and 15 males) aged 40-64 years, who presented with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction and were hospitalized. The patients were randomly assigned to either of the 2 groups established. The study was conducted in a 6-week period. Group 1 consisted of patients who underwent customized group vestibular rehabilitation in an outpatient setting. The program was performed once a week for 1 h 30 min, under the supervision of a physiotherapist and a physiatrist. Group 2 was instructed to perform Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises and simple balance exercises twice a day for 15 min. RESULTS: An improvement in the outcomes of the Dynamic Gait Index as well as the Berg Balance Scale was statistically significant for group 1. The time for fulfilling the task in the Timed Up and Go Test improved in both groups (p < 0.05). The subjective estimation of the symptoms evaluated with the use of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the Visual Analogue Scale revealed a statistically significant improvement in both groups, yet it was higher in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: The compensation achieved after 6 weeks of the customized, supervised outpatient rehabilitation program in group 1 was superior to the results of the home-based unsupervised Cawthorne-Cooksey and balance exercises. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(3):273-82.

Rehabilitation of dynamic visual acuity in patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction: earlier is better.

PURPOSE: Patients with acute peripheral unilateral hypofunction (UVH) complain of vertigo and dizziness and show posture imbalance and gaze instability. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VR) enhances the functional recovery and it has been shown that gaze stabilization exercises improved the dynamic visual acuity (DVA). Whether the effects of VR depend or not on the moment when it is applied remains however unknown, and investigation on how the recovery mechanisms could depend or not on the timing of VR has not yet been tested. METHODS: Our study investigated the recovery of DVA in 28 UVH patients whose unilateral deficit was attested by clinical history and video head impulse test (vHIT). Patients were tested under passive conditions before (pre-tests) and after (post-tests) being subjected to an active DVA rehabilitation protocol. The DVA protocol consisted in active gaze stabilization exercises with two training sessions per week, each lasting 30 min, during four weeks. Patients were sub-divided into three groups depending on the time delay between onset of acute UVH and beginning of VR. The early DVA group (N = 10) was composed of patients receiving the DVA protocol during the first 2 weeks after onset (mean = 8.9 days), the late group 1 (N = 9) between the 3rd and the 4th week (mean = 27.5 days after) and the late group 2 (N = 9) after the 1st month (mean: 82.5 days). We evaluated the DVA score, the angular aVOR gain, the directional preponderance and the percentage of compensatory saccades during the HIT, and the subjective perception of dizziness with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). The pre- and post-VR tests were performed with passive head rotations done by the physiotherapist in the plane of the horizontal and vertical canals. RESULTS: The results showed that patients submitted to an early DVA rehab improved significantly their DVA score by increasing their passive aVOR gain and decreasing the percentage of compensatory saccades, while the late 1 and late 2 DVA groups 1 and 2 showed less DVA improvement and an inverse pattern, with no change in the aVOR gain and an increase in the percentage of compensatory saccades. All groups of patients exhibited significant reductions of the DHI score, with higher improvement in subjective perception of dizziness handicap in the patients receiving the DVA rehab protocol in the first month. CONCLUSION: Our data provide the first demonstration in UVH patients that earlier is better to improve DVA and passive aVOR gain. Gaze stabilization exercises would benefit from the plastic events occurring in brain structures during a sensitive period or opportunity time window to elaborate optimal functional reorganizations. This result is potentially very important for the VR programs to restore the aVOR gain instead of recruiting compensatory saccades assisting gaze stability.

Efficacy of Vestibular Rehabilitation Following Acute Vestibular Neuritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a vestibular rehabilitation program started early after diagnosis of vestibular neuritis combined with standard care reduces dizziness and improves functions of daily life more effectively than standard care alone in patients with acute vestibular neuritis. STUDY DESIGN: Non-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 2 parallel groups. SETTING: Specialist centers in 2 university hospitals. PATIENTS: Patients, 18-70 years, with acute vestibular neuritis confirmed by videonystagmography. INTERVENTION: Standard care was 10 days of prednisolone, general information, and counseling given to all patients. In addition to standard care, the intervention group received supervised exercise therapy (vestibular rehabilitation). Vestibular rehabilitation was given in a group format, individually tailored, and supported by home exercises. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Perceived dizziness during head motion. Secondary outcomes were walking speed, standing balance, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Vertigo Symptom Scale, Visual Analog Scales (VASs), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), The University of California Los Angeles Dizziness Questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included, 27 participated in the vestibular rehabilitation group. There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the vestibular rehabilitation group in overall perceived dizziness at 3 (p = 0.007) and 12 months (p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in standing balance and walking speed. Results from self-report measures showed a statistically significant difference at 12 months in HADS (p = 0.039), DHI (p = 0.049) and VAS-C (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: A vestibular rehabilitation program started early after confirmed vestibular neuritis diagnosis in addition to standard care reduces the perception of dizziness and improves functions of daily life more effectively than standard care alone.

Interdisciplinary integration of nursing and psychiatry (INaP) improves dizziness-related disability.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The traditional medical care model of "assess and refer" in a sequential fashion fails to recognize the complexities that arise due to overlapping physical and psychiatric comorbidities experienced by patients with chronic dizziness or imbalance, thus resulting in inadequate treatment outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel interdisciplinary approach to care that integrates nursing and psychiatry (INaP) on dizziness-related disability. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: We compared the change in clinical assessment scores (i.e., Dizziness Handicap Inventory [DHI], Dizziness Catastrophizing Scale) at approximately 8 months follow-up between those who did (INaP+) and did not receive INaP (INaP-). Data from 229 patients with dizziness or imbalance referred to an interdisciplinary neurotology clinic in Toronto, Ontario, Canada were acquired from August 2012 to December 2016 and January 2011 to December 2013 for the INaP+ and INaP- groups, respectively. RESULTS: A mean group difference in the percentage change in DHI scores was found, with greater reductions in dizziness-related disability in the INaP+ group (n = 121) versus the INaP- group (n = 108). This remained significant after controlling for age, gender, baseline illness severity, and duration between baseline and follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS: The novel interdisciplinary approach of incorporating INaP appears to be more effective than interdisciplinary care without INaP in reducing dizziness-related disability in patients with chronic dizziness or imbalance. Clinical settings should consider the addition of INaP to achieve better patient outcomes. Future studies are required to test the hypothesis that INaP is more efficient and cost-effective than the traditional model of care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 130:1800-1804, 2020.