Comparison Between Traditional Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy And Virtual Reality In Management Of Patients With Chronic Dizziness

Assiut University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Chronic Dizziness

Treatments: Procedure: Virtual Reality treatment; Procedure: Traditional Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07210840

TVRT vs Virtual Reality Dizzin

Details and patient eligibility

About

Chronic dizziness is a common and often debilitating condition, especially among older adults. It typically presents as a persistent sensation of unsteadiness, spinning, or motion lasting weeks or months. Most cases stem from vestibular system disorders, such as vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Menière's disease, and bilateral vestibulopathy [1,2]. Symptoms may persist beyond the acute phase due to the brain's incomplete adaptation or maladaptive behaviors, like avoiding movement. Psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress, can worsen or prolong symptoms [3].

While many vestibular disorders resolve over time, some patients experience chronic symptoms due to poor central compensation or fear-based movement avoidance [2]. Chronic dizziness significantly impacts daily life-leading to imbalance, increased fall risk, reduced mobility, and emotional distress. Proper management is crucial to improving safety, independence, and quality of life [4].

Initial treatments may include medications or maneuvers like the Epley technique for BPPV. If symptoms persist, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is often recommended. VRT is a personalized exercise program aimed at enhancing the brain's ability to adapt, habituate, or compensate through substitution [6-8].

Recently, Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as an innovative tool in vestibular rehab. It provides engaging, interactive environments for practicing balance and visual-vestibular tasks. Studies suggest that VR is feasible, well-tolerated, and effective, particularly for patients with persistent or visually-induced dizziness [9,10].

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 70 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• • Adults aged 18-70 years.

  • Patients diagnosed with chronic dizziness (duration >3 months) due to peripheral vestibular disorders (e.g., vestibular neuritis, BPPV, unilateral vestibular hypofunction).

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of central vestibular disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, cerebellar ataxia,

  • stroke).
  • Patients in acute phase
  • Presence of severe visual impairment
  • Presence of motor disabilities that prevent safe participation in rehabilitation exercises.
  • Cognitive impairment or psychiatric illness that decrease ability to follow instructions

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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40 participants in 2 patient groups

Group A

Active Comparator group

Description:

Traditional Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Treatment:

Procedure: Traditional Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Group B

Active Comparator group

Description:

Virtual Reality treatment

Treatment:

Procedure: Virtual Reality treatment