Short-term effects of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the short-term effects of vestibular rehabilitation on symptom, disability, balance, and postural stability in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital. PARTICIPANTS Patients (N=42) with chronic vestibular dysfunction were divided into either a rehabilitation group (group 1) or a control group (group 2). INTERVENTIONS Patients in group 1 were treated with a customized exercise program for 4 weeks, while the patients in the control group did not receive any treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Subjects were assessed before and after the rehabilitation program with respect to symptoms (visual analog scale [VAS]), disability (Dizziness Handicap Inventory [DHI]), balance (Berg Balance Scale [BBS]), and postural stability (modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction on Balance [mCTSIB]). RESULTS Significant improvements in all parameters (VAS, DHI, BBS, mCTSIB) were observed in group 1 (P<.05). When the 2 groups were compared, there were significant improvements in postexercise VAS, DHI (emotional, functional, physical, total), BBS, and mCTSIB (standing on a firm surface with eyes open, standing on a foam surface with eyes open, standing on a foam surface with eyes closed, mCTSIB mean) in favor of group 1 (P<.05). No significant improvements were seen in any parameters in the control group (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS Significant improvements were seen in symptom, disability, balance, and postural stability in chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction after an exercise program. Customized exercise programs are beneficial in treatment of chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction.