Osteopathic manipulative treatment in individuals with vertigo and somatic dysfunction: a randomized, controlled,...

Area of Science:

• Integrative medicine
• Neurology
• Physical therapy

Background:

• Limited research exists on the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for vertigo.
• Vertigo often co-occurs with somatic dysfunction, necessitating integrated treatment approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial comparing OMT and vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) for vertigo.
• To assess the efficacy of OMT, VRT, or their combination in patients with vertigo and somatic dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial enrolled 23 participants with vertigo and somatic dysfunction.
• Interventions included OMT alone, VRT alone, a combination of OMT/VRT, or a control group.
• Outcomes were measured using computerized dynamic posturography (CDP), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and optometric evaluations.

Main Results:

• The OMT/VRT group showed significant improvements in DHI scores and CDP composite scores.
• OMT alone led to significant improvements in vertigo severity from pre- to posttreatment.
• Both OMT/VRT and VRT showed statistical differences compared to the control group in DHI scores.

Conclusions:

• Combining OMT and VRT significantly reduces vertigo and enhances balance in patients.
• The study highlights the prevalence of vergence and vertical heterophoria in vertigo patients.
• A larger trial is recommended to confirm the efficacy of OMT/VRT for vertigo.