Internet-based vestibular rehabilitation for older adults with chronic dizziness : A randomised controlled trial in primary care

• Introduction: Vestibular dysfunction occurs in 50% of those over age 60, and with an ageing population the health burden will increase. Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) has been shown to be effective for dizziness caused by vestibular dysfunction, but it is seldom provided in primary care. The rapid growth in internet access provides a promising vehicle for VR to achieve widespread health impact. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of internet-based VR on chronic dizziness in older adults in primary care.Method: We conducted a single centre randomised controlled trial comparing an internet-based VR intervention with usual primary care. 296 primary care patients aged 50 years and over with current dizziness exacerbated by head movements were recruited from 54 primary care practices from southern England. Patients in the intervention arm accessed an automated internet-based intervention that taught VR exercises and suggested cognitive behavioural management strategies. Dizziness was measured by the Vertigo Symptom Short-Form (VSS-SF) at baseline, 3 and 6 months. The primary outcome was VSS-SF score at 6 months (ISRCTN: 86912968).Results: The VSS-SF was completed by 250 (84%) at 3 months and 230 (78%) at 6 months. Dizziness symptoms were significantly lower in the internet-based VR group compared to usual care at 3 (2.75, 95% CI:1.39, 4.12; p<0.001 and 6 months (2.26, 95% CI: 0.39, 4.12; p=0.018). Dizziness-related disability was also significantly lower in the internet-based VR condition, at 3 (5.33, 95% CI: 1.41, 9.26; p=0.008) and 6 month (5.58 95% CI: 1.19, 10.0; p=0.013).Discussion: Internet-based VR improves dizziness and reduces dizziness-based disability in older primary care patients without requiring structured guidance. The effectiveness without the need for health professional support indicates that this intervention could be made rapidly available to GPs for provision to their patients and wider dissemination in the community.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

internet-based

chronic dizziness

vestibular dysfunction

primary care

Psychology

psykologi

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)