Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vestibular disorder in adults and the treatment of choice is by particle repositioning manoeuvres (PRM). This study aims to compare the treatment efficacy of two home-based exercises, self-Epley manoeuvre (SEM) and Brandt-Daroff exercise (BDE) in patients with posterior canal BPPV based on vertigo resolution, reduction of vertigo intensity, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores and the conversion of a positive to negative Dix-Hallpike test.

Study Objective:

To compare the efficacy of the self-Epley manoeuvre to the Brandt-Daroff exercise in resolving vertigo symptoms in patients with unilateral posterior canal BPPV.

Study Design:

Single-blind randomized controlled study

Sample Size:

Fifty patients were recruited in the study and were divided with 25 patients in each treatment arm.

Study Method:

Patients who satisfy the inclusion criteria and have given informed consent were randomized into the 2 treatment groups. A dedicated physiotherapist will demonstrate the selected exercise (either SEM or BDE) and observed the patient performing the exercise twice to ensure the ability of the patient to perform it correctly at home. A diary was provided for the patients to chart the therapy sessions performed at home as well as a pamphlet with simple illustrated instructions of the chosen exercise. The patients were asked to perform the home-based exercise for 2 weeks.

Primary Outcome Measure

- Resolution of vertigo symptoms in patients with unilateral posterior canal BPPV.

Secondary Outcome Measures

• Vertigo resolution at 1 and 6 months;
• The conversion of positive to negative Dix-Hallpike test between both groups after 1 month;
• Vertigo intensity in unresolved vertigo patients at 1 & 6 months;
• The Dizziness Handicap Inventory between both groups at 1 and 6 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients who have had symptoms of vertigo for at least 1 week duration,
• patients with a documented positive Dix-Hallpike test on referral,
• patients with intact cognitive function and had the ability to communicate and understand instructions to perform a home-based exercise.

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with history of prior ear surgery,
• patients with orthopaedic or connective tissue disorder that impairs functional neck or trunk range of motion,
• patients with a significant neurological disorder or spinal cord damage, and
• patients who have been prescribed with home-based exercises for BPPV.

The Primary Investigator (PI) was blinded as to the exercise type that the patient had learned and used and evaluates all the outcomes of the study.