Dynamic posturography after computerized vestibular retraining for stable unilateral vestibular deficits.

Abstract

Background: Balance deficits increase the risk of falls and compromise quality of life. Current treatment modalities do not resolve symptoms for many patients.

Aims/objectives: To measure changes in objective posturography after a computerized vestibular retraining therapy protocol.

Materials and methods: This was a single-arm interventional study of individuals with a stable unilateral vestibular deficit present for greater than six months. Participants underwent 12 twice-weekly sessions of computerized vestibular retraining therapy. Objective response was measured by the Sensory Organization Test and questionnaires were administered to measure subjective changes.

Results: We enrolled 13 participants (5 females and 8 males) with a median age of 51 years (range 18 to 67). After retraining, the Sensory Organization Test composite score improved by 8.8 (95% CI 0.6 to 19.1) and this correlated with improvement in the Falls Efficacy Scale-International questionnaire (r_s -0.6472; 95% CI -0.8872 to - 0.1316). Participants with moderate-to-severe disability at baseline (n = 7) demonstrated greater improvement in the composite score (14.6; 95% CI 7.0 to 36.9).

Conclusions and significance: Computerized vestibular retraining therapy for stable unilateral vestibular deficits is associated with improvement in dynamic balance performance. Posturography improvements correlated with a reduction in perceived fall risk. Trial Registration Information Clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT04875013; 04/27/2021.