Research on the effects of a web-based system with oculomotor and optokinetic stimuli on vestibular rehabilitation

Abstract

Objective: The variety and use of technologies used in vestibular rehabilitation is very limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a web-based system on vestibular rehabilitation in patients with vestibular hypofunction.Design: 20 patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction were randomly assigned to two groups. Conventional vestibular rehabilitation was applied to the control group, whereas the study group received treatment with the web-based system supporting the vestibulo-ocular reflex with oculomotor and optokinetic stimulus (SVORE-Simulation of Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Exercises). Vestibular and balance tests, oculomotor level, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS) and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) were used to evaluate the efficacy treatment's.Results: Vestibular symptoms and findings, balance tests, oculomotor functions, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory improved significantly in both of the groups after the interventions (p<0.05). In the intergroup analysis, improvement was found in eyes closed Romberg, semi-tandem and left one-foot position balance tests in favor of the study group (p<0.05).Conclusion: The new vestibular technology, SVORE was found to be effective in vestibular rehabilitation.