Group Vestibular Rehabilitation Program: A Cost-Effective Outpatient Management Option for Dizzy Patients

Abstract

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of our novel group vestibular rehabilitation therapy (G-VRT) and to analyze the factors affecting outcomes.

Study design: Retrospective case series.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Patients: Patients with chronic dizziness who received G-VRT between December 2019 and July 2020.

Intervention: The G-VRT program consisted of a 1-hour physical therapy session by an otologist in a small group setting.

Main outcome measures: Dizziness Handicap Inventory, visual analog scale, functional level scales, and video head impulse test, as well as the compliance to the program, were evaluated.

Results: All scores of dizziness questionnaires were significantly improved after G-VRT ( p < 0.001). The overall vestibule-ocular reflex gain calculated by video head impulse test increased compared to the initial scores, whereas the average PR scores of all three semicircular canals significantly decreased from the initial scores, indicating enhanced vestibular compensation ( p < 0.05). Enrolled patients showed high compliance to the program.

Conclusion: G-VRT program is a cost-effective and efficient way to provide relief for chronic dizzy patients. Further case-control studies in a larger group, as well as comparative studies with generic or customized vestibular exercise, will be needed to validate the clinical value of G-VRT.