Vestibular rehabilitation in individuals with inner ear dysfunction: A Pilot Study

Joanne Enticott, Jessica Vitkovic, B Reid, Patrick O'Neill, Mark Paine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A randomised control prospective study was carried out examining patient outcomes after performing a 10-week vestibular home exercise programme. Thiry-two adults with vestibular dysfunction who reported vestibular symptoms negatively affecting daily life were enrolled. Test subjects were provided with an individualised vestibular rehabilitation programme designed by a therapist. Control subjects received a set of strength and endurance exercises only. All subjects performed their exercises 3 times a day for 10 weeks. Subjective and objective patient measures were collected at 0,6,10 and 26 weeks. Results showed that both groups improved after beginning exercise, and that test subjects significantly benefited compared to the controls. These benefits were long term and measurable 6 months later. This study provides evidence that individualised vestibular exercises promote better outcomes for patients with vestibular dysfunction.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)19 - 28
Number of pages10
JournalAudiology and Neurotology
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

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