Whole Body Vibration In Vestibular Rehabilitation

Efficacy Of Biofeedback Training And Whole Body Vibration Therapy In Vestibular Rehabilitation Of Unilateral Vestibular Weakness

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of home based vestibular rehabilitation program, posturographic biofeedback training and whole body vibration therapy on balance, fall risk, functional mobility, vertigo symptom severity and functions in patients with unilateral vestibular weakness.

A total of 90 patients who were diagnosed as unilateral vestibular weakness were included in this prospective randomized controlled study. They were randomized into three groups each consisting of 30 patients. Home based vestibular rehabilitation program was given to all groups. Fall risk yielded by posturography, Berg balance scale, Timed Up-and-Go test, vertigo visual analogue scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory were used for comparison.

Inclusion Criteria:

Adult patients who had unilateral vestibular weakness and persistent dizziness at least two months after acute period were included Bithermal caloric test showing hyporesponsiveness higher than 30% or unresponsiveness of the horizontal canal of the affected ear accepted as unilateral vestibular weakness.

Exclusion Criteria:

Bilateral vestibular weakness, Recurrent vestibulopathy, Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Concomitant neurological or psychiatric disease, Severe visual or auditory impairments and orthopedic problems in the lower extremities