Combined Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation With Dual Task Training in Vestibular Disorders

Combined Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation and Dual Task Training Exercises on Balance, Gait and Quality of Life in Patients With Vestibular Disorders

Patients with vestibular disorders often experience cognitive-motor interference which can adversely affect their motor performance, significantly impair daily functioning, increase instability, reducing quality of life and increasing the risk of falls. Vestibular rehabilitation is a well-established therapeutic approach for managing vestibular disorders in reducing symptoms and improving balance and mobility. Similarly, Dual Task Training improves cognitive-motor integration by enhancing both cognitive and motor functions and has shown promising results in other populations. This study is aimed to determine the combined effects of both interventions as it might provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

In previous studies, vestibular rehabilitation is well-documented in enhancing balance, gait, reducing dizziness and improving quality of life through specific exercises aimed at improving vestibular function. Similarly, dual task training has shown promise in improving functional mobility and cognitive processing. However, no randomized control trial to date has systematically investigated the potential synergistic effects of these two interventions when applied together which leaves a critical gap in understanding whether the integration of dual task training into vestibular rehabilitation could yield superior outcomes for patients suffering from vestibular disorders. This research could provide valuable insights and potentially enhance therapeutic strategies for this population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients complaining of dizziness for longer than 3 months
• Patients with history of at least 1 bout of dizziness per month
• Patients with history of at least 1 fall in previous 6 months
• Diagnosed Patients as having vestibular disorder by an otolaryngologist
• Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score greater than 24

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with Meniere disease and bilateral vestibular disorders
• Patients with central nervous system disorders, and psychiatric disorders
• Patients having visual impairment that could not be treated with lenses or glasses
• Dizziness not resulting from vestibular disorder or use of Medication for Dizziness
• Movement limitation due to orthopedic problems
• Those who were unable to sign informed consent form