Affiliations: [a] German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders (DSGZ), Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| [b] Department of Ear, Nose, Throat and Facial Surgery, Interdisciplinary Center for Vertigo and Neurological Visual Disorders, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| [c] Department of Neurology, Schön Klinik Bad Aibling, Bad Aibling, Germany
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Silvy Kellerer, PT, MSc, German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders (DSGZ), Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich (LMU), University Hospital Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany. Tel.: +49 89 4400 76996; Fax +49 89 4400 78794; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is effective for most patients with dizziness and imbalance. Home exercise programs are widely used. It is unknown, however, how specific the instructions for exercises have to be. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effects of expert assessment and instructions in a booklet-based home VRT program for patients with chronic dizziness. METHODS:Randomized controlled study on 74 participants with disabling dizziness for >3 months. All study participants received a booklet-based VRT for training at home. Participants were prescribed 20 minutes of exercise, twice a day. The intervention group (n = 37) received specific instructions (expert physiotherapist). The control group (n = 37) practiced without specific instructions. Primary outcome was the total score of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI-G). All outcomes were assessed at baseline, after 4 weeks, and at follow up 4 weeks later. RESULTS:Both groups improved (DHI-G 43.94±18.89 at inclusion to 33.06±19.67 at follow-up in controls and 42.82±16.60 to 22.65±19.12 in the intervention group). The intervention group, however, improved more (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS:We show a significant effect of expert physiotherapy guidance in home-based VRT. This strengthens the role of the physiotherapist in VRT: Tailored, personalized instructions are needed to get the best effect of VRT.
