Effectiveness of resource material as an adjunct to vestibular rehabilitation in persons with vestibular dysfunction
摘要
A customized booklet-based vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) increases adherence to exercises, improves balance, and reduces dizziness-related handicap. There is a dearth of literature that has investigated the efficacy of booklet-based tele-VRT. The present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation using a resource material. Current research compared post-VRT progress between persons receiving VRT through virtual care only and those receiving VRT through resource material and virtual care combined.
MethodsThirty-two participants (16 in each group, group I—without resource material, group II—with resource material) with peripheral vestibular disorders were included in the study. A resource material was developed and validated in the local language. This resource material was provided to group II participants only. VRT was carried out through the virtual care mode for both groups. Subjective (Dizziness Handicap Inventory) and objective (static posturography) measures were carried out before and after 4 weeks (once a week sessions) of VRT.
ResultsThe Mann-Whitney U test revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05), and rank-biserial correlation indicated a medium to large effect size in post-VRT progress between groups I and II for the vestibular, tandem, and L:R stability domains on static posturography, as well as the DHI-Total, Physical, and Functional domain scores. No significant between-group difference, and effect size was found for somatosensory and DHI-Emotional domain scores.
ConclusionA significantly greater improvement in the group to which resource material was provided indicates that additional resource material to VRT can enhance the overall effectiveness of therapy. Emotional symptoms were less responsive, which suggests a need for adjunctive psychological support.