Comparison of the effects of Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization training on balance, quality of life, and kinesiophobia in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

ABSTRACT This study was designed to compare the effects of Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises on balance, quality of life, and kinesiophobia in patients diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Forty-nine patients with BPPV were included in the study and were randomly assigned into two groups: the Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) group (n=25) and the Cawthorne-Cooksey exercise group (n=24). Both groups underwent their respective exercises three times a week for a total of six weeks. The Quality of Life Scale SF-36 Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Vertigo Symptom Scale, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory were used to measure quality of life. The Berg Balance Scale and Tinetti Walking Test were used to evaluate balance, and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia was used to assess the fear of movement. These assessments were conducted twice: before and after the treatment. According to the results, parameters such as balance, quality of life, sleep quality, and vertigo symptoms improved in all groups after treatment (p<0.05). When comparing both groups, the improvements in quality of life, sleep quality, and vertigo symptoms, as well as balance parameters, were similar between the two groups post-treatment (p>0.05). However, in terms of kinesiophobia, the Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises were found to be more effective than the dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises (p<0.05). In conclusion, dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises were found to be effective in improving balance and quality of life in patients with BPPV. It is suggested that DNS exercises could be used as an alternative treatment approach by physiotherapists working with BPPV patients to enhance quality of life and improve balance. Keywords: BPPV, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises, Quality of Life, Balance, Kinesiophobia