Conventional Vestibular Training Versus Immersive Virtual Reality- Based Vestibular in Multiple Sclerosis

Feasibility and Safety of an Immersive Virtual Reality-based Vestibular Rehabilitation Program for Dizziness, Balance and Fatigue Improvement in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol for a Pilot Randomised Controlled Study

The effectiveness of convectional vestibular training for balance and dizziness rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis has been recently demonstrated in a meta-analysis by this research team (doi: 10.3390/jcm9020590). Furthermore, non-immersive virtual reality-based environments seem to be useful for balance and gait rehabilitation in this population (doi: 10.1177/0269215518768084). However, nothing is known about the feasibility and effectiveness of immersive virtual reality-based rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis.

The primary aim of this research is to determine the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality-based vestibular training for dizziness, balance and fatigue rehabilitation, compared to conventional vestibular training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both male and female subjects from 18-65 years old
• Clinically diagnosed with any type of multiple sclerosis in accordance with the revised McDonald criteria
• With walking ability according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale score (EDSS =6)
• With the objective presence of dizziness symptoms (Dizziness Handicap Inventory = 16)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Blurred vision
• Cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination =24)
• Another neurologic disorder contributing to balance impairment
• Relapse within the last 3 months
• Changes in pharmacotherapy within the last 3 months
• History of vestibular rehabilitation within the last 6 months
• Acute cardiovascular of respiratory illness
• Any other contraindication to physical activity