The Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation and Manual Therapy on Patients with Unilateral Vestibular Dysfunction: A Randomized and Controlled Clinical Study

Abstract

(1) Objective: To determine the effect of a directed vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) program with manual therapy (MT) on dizziness-related disability and imbalance symptoms among patients with peripheral unilateral vestibular dysfunction. (2) Methods: Eighty patients (54.75 ± 1.34 years) were allocated either to a control group (n = 40), who underwent a directed VRT program, or to an experimental group (n = 40), who received the same program plus MT once a week/4 weeks. We assessed their level of disability (Dizziness Handicap Inventory, DHI), balance confidence (the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale—16 items), postural balance (resistive multisensor platform), and the frequency and intensity of dizziness symptoms (visual analog scale). (3) Results: Post-intervention between-group improvements were observed regarding DHI total score and intensity in the experimental group (p < 0.001), as well as four weeks later. Six months after, the experimental group exhibited improvements in the center of pressure velocity with eyes open (p = 0.019), DHI total score (p = 0.001) and subscales (all p < 0.05), and intensity (p = 0.003) and frequency (p = 0.010) of dizziness. Balance confidence improvements were observed 1 month (p = 0.035) and 6 months (p = 0.038) post-intervention. (4) Conclusions: Directed VRT plus MT is a safe and beneficial intervention that speeds up recovery for patients suffering from dizziness and instability derived from unilateral vestibular dysfunction.