ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION IN SUBJECTS WITH UNILATERAL VESTIBULAR HYPOFUNCTION

Abstract

Background: Surgical and pharmacological managements have limited efficacy for unilateral vestibular hypofunction
increasing the use of vestibular rehabilitation. However, literature data is limited concerning the results of vestibular
rehabilitation warranting further studies.
Aim: The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of physiotherapy vestibular rehabilitation on fall risk and balance
parameters in subjects with UVH (unilateral vestibular hypofunction).
Methods: The study assessed 60 subjects diagnosed with unilateral vestibular hypofunction. In all subjects, dynamic visual
acuity assessment, modified clinical test for sensory interaction in Tandem and balance, visual analog scale, and number of
falls were recorded pre-treatment and post-treatment. All subjects were given an individual program of 8 weeks with
physiotherapy at 2-week intervals. Also, a home exercise program of 10 repetitions three times a day was given to all
subjects.
Results: Following vestibular rehabilitation of 8 weeks, a decreased number of falls and improved balance parameters were
seen in all the subjects. Eyes-closed Tandem test showed statistically significant results with p=0.001. Modified Clinical Test
results for Sensory Interaction in Balance showed significant results with p=0.001. Also, significant results were seen for
dynamic visual acuity scores and vestibular symptoms with p=0.001.
Conclusions: The present study concludes that balance parameters are significantly improved and fall risks are positively
affected when physiotherapy programs are applied to the subjects having unilateral vestibular hypofunction.