Oculomotor and Vestibular Ocular Reflex Exercises in Patients With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Effects of Oculomotor and Vestibular Ocular Reflex Exercises on Vertigo, Dizziness and Balance in Patients With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

The aim of this research is to assess effects of Oculomotor and VOR exercises on vertigo, dizziness and balance in patients with BPPV. Randomized controlled trial was conducted at Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore. The sample size 32 participants which were divided into two groups, 16 participants in traditional physical therapy group and 16 in oculomotor and vestibular ocular reflex exercises group. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Only 30-70 years individuals with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) were included. Tools used in the study are vertigo handicap questionnaire, visual vertigo analogue scale, dizziness handicap inventory, berg balance scale and dynamic gait index. The data was analyzed using SPSS.

Randomized controlled trial was conducted at Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore. The sample size 32 participants which were divided into two groups, 16 participants in traditional physical therapy group and 16 in oculomotor and vestibular ocular reflex exercises group. Study duration was of 6 months. Sampling technique applied was non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Only 30-70 years individuals with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) were included. Tools used in the study are vertigo handicap questionnaire, visual vertigo analogue scale, dizziness handicap inventory, berg balance scale and dynamic gait index. The data was analyzed using SPSS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have vertigo with posterior canal involvement during Dix-Hallpike test with or without accompanying nystagmus (objective or subjective BPPV).
• Ability to walk at least 3 meters by itself with or without assistive device
• Normal vision with or without correction by spectacles or contact lenses

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with other neurologic conditions, orthopedic problems, and uncontrolled metabolic diseases to eliminate confounding factors affecting balance performance
• Unable to understand and answer a simple verbal command.
• Previously underwent oculomotor and vestibular ocular exercises.
• Other vestibular disorders like Meniere disease
• Long-term use of benzodiazepines (more than 20 years).
• Patients who are already performing structured physical activities such as muscle strengthening exercises, Pilates, yoga or high intensity aerobic exercises