The Effectiveness of Augmented and Virtual Reality-Assisted Vestibular Rehabilitation in Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness
摘要
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)-assisted supervised vestibular rehabilitation combined with a home exercise program on dizziness, handicap, balance, and anxiety in patients with persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD).
MethodsThe retrospective study included patients who were diagnosed with PPPD and underwent AR and VR-assisted supervised vestibular rehabilitation combined with a home exercise program. Patient with active Meniere’s disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, bilateral vestibulopathy, use of psychiatric medication or vestibular system suppressant medication started within the last 3 months, serious psychiatric disorder, neurologic or orthopedic diseases that affect gait or balance (except vestibular migraine), visual impairment, severe cognitive impairment, decompensated heart disease, or advanced systemic disease affecting general condition were excluded. The outcome measures were the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for severity of dizziness, Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) for dizziness-related handicap, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for anxiety.
ResultsThe study included 15 patients (80% females). After the rehabilitation program, there were statistically significant improvements were observed in DHI, NRS, BBS, and BAI scores compared to pre-treatment (p˂0.05).
ConclusionThis study showed that AR and VR-assisted supervised vestibular rehabilitation combined with a home exercise program was effective on dizziness, handicap, balance, and anxiety in PPPD. High-tech applications such as AR and VR should be considered in the rehabilitation of patients with PPPD.