Effects of fascial release on posture, balance and muscle function in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Aim of the study was to investigate the effect of fascial release on posture, balance and muscle function in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. 32 individuals with 45,31 ± 4,86 ages participated. Individuals were randomized as home exercise group (HEG) and myofascial therapy group (MTG). HEG was given 6-week home exercise program for 3 days a week. For MTG the same home exercise program and myofascial release applied twice weekly. Postural characteristics and balance skills of the participants were evaluated as stability and sway area. Cervical normal joint movement (NJH) was determined. Muscle strength was measured bilaterally from cervical flexion and extension, upper Trapezius (UT), middle Trapezius (OT) and lower Trapezius (AT) muscles. Muscle activation was recorded from the right and left Sternocleidomasteideus muscle (SCM) and UT muscles. Vertigo symptom scale (VSS), vertigo disability inventory and dynamic gait index were applied. Evaluation was performed before and after treatment. Anterior (pHEG=0,05; pMTG=0,03) and right stability area (pHEG=0,05; pMTG=0,00) increased in both groups and and the difference between the groups was not significant. As in a similar manner cervical flexion (pHEG=0,00; pMTG=0,00) and extension (pHEG= 0,01; pMTG=0,02) strength and right SCM (pHEG=0,00; pMTG=0,00) and right UT (pHEG=0,05; pMTG=0,01) muscle activation increased in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the groups.Anteroposterior and mediolateral perturbations were decreased only in MTG, and the difference between the groups was significant (p =0,04, p=0,04). Also it was determined that the VSS anxiety score decreased significantly in MTG (p= 0,05). Home exercise was effective in increasing the stability area, muscle strength and activation. Myofascial release was found to more efficient to home exercise alone in regulating balance functions especially by reducing the oscillation area and reducing anxiety levels. KEYWORDS: Vertigo, Postural balance, Electromyography, Fascial release, Home exercise