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Published on: August 30, 2019
Three-dimensional exergaming conjunction with vestibular rehabilitation in individuals with Benign Paroxysmal
Aytul Ozdil1, Gozde Iyigun1, Birgul Balci2
1Eastern Mediterranean University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Famagusta, Turkey.
Background:
To examine the effectiveness of 3D (dimensional)-vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) on gait, balance problems, processing time speed and subjective complaints in patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) compared to a control group (CG). This study aimed to test the feasibility of virtual reality-based 3D exergaming conjunction with vestibular rehabilitation.
Methods:
Twenty-two patients with BPPV (negative DixHallpike/Roll test results, existing dizziness/balance complaints) were randomly allocated to the study group (SG, n:11 3D-VRT) or Control group (CG n:11, no exercise-rehabilitation) for 8 week. The SG performed 3D-VRT for 45 to 50 min/d, 3 times/wk, and the CG did receive only Canalith Repositioning Maneuver (CRM). CRM was applied in both groups before the study. Outcome measures included 10-Meter-Walk-Test (10-MWT) (with/without head turns), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Choice-Stepping-Reaction-Time-ped (CSRT-MAT), Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FAB), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Results:
The SG showed significantly improvement in 10-MWT without (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.49), with horizontal (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.57),vertical (p5 = 0.01,η2 = 0.48) head turns, DGI (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.74), CSRT-MAT, FAB (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.78) and VAS-dizziness (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.65), VAS-balance problem (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.43), VAS-fear of falling (p5 = 0.00,η2 = 0.42) compared to the CG.
Conclusion:
The 3D-VRT were effective in improving gait, balance, processing speed and resolving the subjective complaints in BPPV. The 3D-VRT method is feasible for patients who suffer from residual dizziness or balance complaints after CRM. Furthermore, the 3D-VRT is more accessible and less expensive than other virtual reality applications, which may facilitate further research or clinical use.
