The Effect of Vestibular Rehabilitation on Adults With Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction: A Systematic Review
Journal of Vestibular Research
Porciuncula, F., Johnson, C. C., et al. (2012).
Journal of Vestibular Research, 22(5-6), 283-298.
This systematic review investigates the effects of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) approaches (e.g., vestibular exercises, balance training, patient education, sensory prosthetics) to manage vestibular symptoms on body function, activity, and participation in adults with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH).
All seven studies on exercise-based vestibular rehabilitation demonstrated improvements in gaze stability and postural stability (body function/impairment-based outcomes) in adults with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (Moderate Evidence). There was insufficient evidence on the effect of vestibular rehabilitation on activity or participation outcomes (Insufficient Evidence).
Seven studies investigated the use of sensory prosthetic devices to manage balance symptoms of adults with bilateral vestibular hypofunction through technologically-based feedback (e.g., auditory feedback through headphones, vibrotactile input onto the head). Given the heterogeneity of sensory approaches used and the mixed findings, further research is needed to determine the efficacy of this vestibular rehabilitation approach (Insufficient Evidence).
