The effect of vestibular rehabilitation on static posturography results in individuals with unilateral vestibular hypofunction

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of vestibular rehabilitation on static posturography results in individuals with unilateral vestibular hypofunction. Thirty subjects with unilateral vestibular hypofunction diagnosed by videonystagmography (VNG) were included in the study as volunteers. In addition to the Static Posturography test, head thrust test, unterberger test, bucket test, eyes open/closed tandem stance test, eyes open/closed semitandem stance test, romberg test, standing on one leg on foam ground with eyes open/closed and standing on one leg on firm ground with eyes open/closed, dynamic visual acuity, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to assess the severity of dizziness and fatigue, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) were applied in their initial evaluation before vestibular rehabilitation treatment. Patients were re-evaluated after 8 weeks of vestibular rehabilitation and the results were compared. The vestibular rehabilitation programme was changed every two weeks. During the eight-week period, the patients performed the exercise programme 3 times a day with 10 repetitions of each exercise. According to the evaluation results after the treatment, there was a statistically significant improvement in static posturography, especially in modified-CTSIB test. There was statistically significant improvement in dynamic visual acuity, head thrust test, bucket test, standing on one leg on firm and foam ground with eyes open/closed, tandem stance test with eyes closed, unterberger test. Statistically significant scores were obtained in VAS and DHI results. As a result of the study, it was concluded that vestibular rehabilitation is beneficial in patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction and its effectiveness can be monitored by Static Posturography. Keywords: Unilateral vestibular hypofunction, balance, static posturography, vestibular rehabilitation