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Vestibular rehabilitation using video gaming in adults with dizziness: a pilot study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 March 2018

J S Phillips ,
J Fitzgerald ,
D Phillis ,
A Underwood ,
I Nunney  and
A Bath
J S Phillips*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
J Fitzgerald
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
D Phillis
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
A Underwood
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
I Nunney
Affiliation:
Norwich Clinical Trials Unit, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, UK
A Bath
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr John S Phillips, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK Fax: +44 (0)1603 287288 E-mail: john.phillips@mac.com
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Abstract

Objective:

To determine the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation using the Wii Fit balance platform, in adults with dizziness.

Methods:

A single-site prospective clinical trial was conducted in a university hospital in the UK. Forty patients with dizziness, who would normally be candidates for vestibular rehabilitation, were identified and considered as potential participants. Participants were randomised into either the treatment group (the Wii Fit group) or the control group (standard customised vestibular rehabilitation protocol). Participants were assessed over a 16-week period using several balance and quality of life questionnaires.

Results:

Both exercise regimes resulted in a reduction of dizziness and an improvement in quality of life scores over time, but no statistically significant difference between the two interventions was identified.

Conclusion:

This pilot study demonstrated that use of the Wii Fit balance platform resulted in a statistically significant improvement in balance function and quality of life. Furthermore, outcomes were comparable to a similar group of individuals following a standard customised vestibular rehabilitation protocol. The study provides useful information to inform the design and execution of a larger clinical trial.

Keywords

NeurotologyDizzinessVestibular DiseasesRehabilitationQuality Of Life
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 132 , Issue 3 , March 2018 , pp. 202 - 206
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2018 

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