Effects of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of physiotherapy on the balance parameters and fall risk in patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH). Patients and Methods: Thirty patients diagnosed with UVH were included in the study. The number of falls, Visual Analog Scale, Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction in Tandem and Balance, and dynamic visual acuity assessments was performed before and after treatment. The patients were included in an individual treatment program for 8 weeks. Physiotherapy sessions were given at 2-week intervals. Along with the level of development of the treatment applied to the patients, it was requested perform a home exercise program with ten repetitions three times a day. Results: After 8 weeks of vestibular rehabilitation, it was observed that the balance parameters of the participants improved and the number of falls decreased. Statistically significant results were obtained in the Eyes-closed Tandem test (P = 0.001). Significant changes occurred in the modified Clinical Test results for Sensory Interaction in Balance from 0.37 +/- 0.19 s to 0.93 +/- 0.11 s (P = 0.001). Vestibular symptoms and dynamic visual acuity scores also improved after treatment (P = 0.001). Conclusion: It was concluded that the physiotherapy program applied to our patients with UVH positively affected fall risk and significantly improved balance parameters.