The Use of Computer-Assisted Home Exercises to Preserve Physical Function after a Vestibular Rehabilitation Program: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether elderly patients with vestibular dysfunction are able to preserve physical functional level, reduction in dizziness, and the patient's quality of life when assistive computer technology is used in comparison with printed instructions. Materials and Methods. Single-blind, randomized, controlled follow-up study. Fifty-seven elderly patients with chronic dizziness were randomly assigned to a computer-assisted home exercise program or to home exercises as described in printed instructions and followed for tree month after discharge from an outpatient clinic. Results. Both groups had maintained their high functional levels three months after finishing the outpatient rehabilitation. No statistically significant difference was found in outcome scores between the two groups. In spite of moderate compliance levels, the patients maintained their high functional level indicating that the elderly should not necessarily exercise for the first three months after termination of the training in the outpatient clinic. Conclusion. Elderly vestibular dysfunction patients exercising at home seem to maintain their functional level, level of dizziness, and quality of life three months following discharge from hospital. In this specific setup, no greater effect was found by introducing a computer-assisted training program, when compared to standard home training guided by printed instructions. This trial is registered with NCT01344408.

Physical therapy interventions for older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders addressing mobility and participation: a systematic review

“…The sample of the initial literature search comprised 16 studies [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45], the search update revealed 5…”

“…Primary outcome was clearly stated only in 7 studies [34,35,40,42,43,48,49] [34,35,40,42,43,44] [37,41,44,32]. In regard to the GRADE approach, overall risk of bias, indirectness, inconsistency, imprecision and publication bias were assessed, whereas imprecision was ranked down for every study due to a narrative synthesis in this review.…”

Physical therapy interventions for older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders addressing mobility and participation: a systematic review

“…The sample of the initial literature search comprised 16 studies [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45], the search update revealed 5 additional studies [46][47][48][49][50], and one study that was updated due to a new follow-up publication [51]. Thus, the nal sample comprised 22 studies with 1,876 participants.…”

“…Primary outcome was clearly stated only in 7 studies [34,35,40,42,43,48,49]. Descriptions of more than one single primary outcome were reported in 4 studies [32,37,41,44].…”

Physical therapy interventions for older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders addressing mobility and participation: a systematic review

“…Home exercises supported by the "Move it to improve it" (Mitii) computer programme versus a printed home programme (n = 63 participants with vestibular dysfunction) showed no difference in the primary outcome one-leg stand test. No difference in secondary outcomes Motion Sensitivity, VAS, Chair stand test, DHI, DGI, quality of life measured with SF-12 [43].…”