Computer assisted training as a complement in rehabilitation of patients with chronic vestibular dizziness–a randomized controlled trial

Michael Smaerup, Erik Gronvall, Simon B. Larsen, Uffe Laessoe, Jens-Jacob Henriksen, Else Marie Damsgaard

Research output: Journal Article or Conference Article in JournalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Objective

To compare a computer exercise program with conservative home-training following printed instructions in the rehabilitation of elderly patients with vestibular dysfunction.

Design

Single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

Setting

Geriatric Department, Aarhus University Hospital.

Participants

Sixty-three elderly patients with chronic dizziness due to vestibular dysfunction were randomly assigned to either rehabilitation in the clinic followed by computer-assisted home exercises (intervention group: n=32), or rehabilitation in the clinic followed by home exercises according to printed instructions (control group: n=31).

Intervention

Patients in the intervention group received assisted rehabilitation by a computer program.

Main outcome measures

Measurements at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks were compared. These included the One Leg Stand Test, Dynamic Gait Index, Chair Stand Test, Motion Sensitivity Test, Short Form-12, Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Visual Analog Scale.

Results

Both groups improved significantly during 16 weeks of rehabilitation. However, neither t-tests nor repeated measurement ANOVA demonstrated any significant differences between the two groups. The overall compliance rate during 16 weeks to computer program exercises was 57 %.

Conclusion

A computer assisted program to support the home training of elderly patients with vestibular dysfunction did not improve rehabilitation more than printed instructions.
Original languageEnglish
JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume96
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)395-401
ISSN0003-9993
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Oct 2014

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