Physical findings in patients with dizziness undergoing a group exercise programme.

Area of Science:

• Physical therapy
• Vestibular rehabilitation
• Physiotherapy examination

Background:

• Persistent dizziness is often linked to physical dysfunctions.
• Previous studies have not focused on physical findings in patients with long-lasting dizziness.
• This study aimed to identify and quantify physical dysfunctions in this patient group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the localization and extent of physical dysfunctions in patients experiencing long-lasting dizziness.
• To re-examine patients after completing a vestibular rehabilitation (VR) program to assess physical changes.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study design was employed.
• Patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction were assessed using the Global Physiotherapy Examination (GPE-52) and Vertigo Symptom Scale-short form (VSS-SF).
• A 9-week group VR program, integrating traditional exercises with a body awareness approach, was administered.

Main Results:

• Common findings included flexed head posture and restricted respiration.
• Approximately half of the patients exhibited reduced flexibility, impaired relaxation, and restricted range of motion (ROM) in the neck, jaw, shoulder girdle, and thorax.
• Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed post-VR in respiration, flexibility, passive movements (shoulder/cervical), ROM (neck/jaw), and VSS-SF balance subscale.

Conclusions:

• Postural changes, restricted respiration, and reduced flexibility/muscular stretch are prevalent in dizziness patients.
• A modified VR program incorporating body awareness effectively improved respiratory function and upper body movements.
• The study highlights the benefits of a body awareness approach within VR for enhancing self-reported balance in dizziness patients.