Vestibular Rehabilitation in Individuals with Inner-Ear Dysfunction: A Pilot Study

Vol. 13, No. 1, 2008

Free Abstract Article (Fulltext) Article (PDF 196 KB)

Original Paper

Vestibular Rehabilitation in Individuals with Inner-Ear Dysfunction: A Pilot Study
J.C. Enticott^{a, b}, J.J. Vitkovic^{a, b}, B. Reid^c, P. O'Neill^b, M. Paine^a

^aVestibular Investigation Unit, University of Melbourne and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital Audiology Service,
^bDepartment of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, and
^cCedar Court Rehabilitation Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia

Address of Corresponding Author

Audiol Neurotol 2008;13:19-28 (DOI: 10.1159/000107434)

Key Words

Vestibular physiotherapy
Dizziness
Balance rehabilitation

Abstract

A randomised control prospective study was carried out examining patient outcomes after performing a 10-week vestibular home exercise programme. Thirty-two adults with vestibular dysfunction who reported vestibular symptoms negatively affecting daily life were enrolled. Test subjects were provided with an individualised vestibular rehabilitation programme designed by a physiotherapist. Control subjects received a set of strength and endurance exercises only. All subjects performed their exercises 3 times a day for 10 weeks. Subjective and objective patient measures were collected at 0, 6, 10 and 26 weeks. Results showed that both groups improved after beginning exercise, and that test subjects significantly benefited compared to the controls. These benefits were long term and measurable 6 months later. This study provides evidence that individualised vestibular exercises promote better outcomes for patients with vestibular dysfunction.

Author Contacts

Joanne Enticott, MAud, MAudSA(CCP)
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne and
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital Audiology Service, 32 Gisborne Street
East Melbourne 3002 (Australia)
Tel. +61 3 9929 8010, Fax +61 3 9929 8272, E-Mail enticott@unimelb.edu.au

Article Information

Received: December 8, 2006
Accepted after revision: May 4, 2007
Published online: August 22, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 10
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 5, Number of References : 20

Medline Abstract (ID 17715466)

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