Determination of the effect of brandt-daroff exercises and vestibular rehabilitation balance and gait performance in patient with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Objective: To compare the therapeutic effects of vestibular rehabilitation exercises in addition to canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRM) on balance and gait parameters in patients who diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Methods: The study included of 40 patients diagnosed with BPPV. Prior to CRM, patients were examined and the specific CRM was applied to the affected semicircular canal. The patients were re-assessed to check the effectiveness of CRM after 1 week. The patients were randomized in to the Brandt-Daroff exercise group (BD) and Brandt-Daroff + Adaptation exercise (BD + AE) group. The patients were assessed after one month of exercise program. The Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), the Vertigo Symptom Scale-short form, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Limits of Stability Test (LOS) and Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (M- CTSIB) were applied to the patients before and after CRM. Results: Balance and gait scores improved significantly in 39 patients who completed the vestibular rehabilitation programs (p <0.05). Balance and gait scale values were significantly better in BD + AE group after CRM than in BD group (p <0.05). Conclusion: Balance and gait functions of BD+ AE group are better than BD group. Improvement in functional balance and walking ability with vestibular rehabilitation suggests that vertigo-related anxiety is reduced and patients can participate more actively in daily life.