Effect of activity training on vestibular rehabilitation of patients with dizziness

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of activity training programme on dizziness, imbalance and level of independence in daily living activities in patients with chronic dizziness. 75 patients between 18-65 years of age who diagnosed chronic peripheral vestibular disorders and individuals with vestibular rehabilitation indications were included in our study. Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups consist of 25 patients as activity group, exercise group and control group. Education was given to each group. İn addition, activity group was performed training activities programme, exercise group was performed Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises programme. Therapy programmes were prescribed once daily at home for 4 weeks. After demographic informations were obtained from all patients, assessments were performed at the beginning and at the end of the treatment programme (4 weeks). Dizziness severity was assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), activities of daily livings were assessed by Vestibular Disorders Activity Questionnaire (VADL) and balance was assessed by Sensory Organization Testing (SOT). VAS scores, VADL (VADL total, functional and ınstrumental subscales) scores and SOT scores (SOT 5, SOT 6 and SOT composite) improved ın both activity group and exercise group when compared to control group (p<0,05). SOT 5, SOT 6 and SOT (composite) scores decreased ın the activity group when compared to exercise group (p<0,05). The results of this study indicate that home-based standard activity programme was more effective in improving home management task, occupational task and balance than home-based standard exercise programme in chronic pheripheral vestibular disorders. Key Words: Dizziness, chronic pheripheral vestibular disorders, occupational therahpy, activity-based vestibular rehabilitation theraphy