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NCT Number: NCT07587528

Effects of Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises in Young Adults With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of dizziness disorder in the community.Its cardinal symptoms include vertigo which is induced by change in position of head, turning over in bed, looking up, lying down in bed or any sudden change in the position of head. This study compares the effectiveness of occulomotor exercises alone and combined cervical and occulomotor exercises which take 6 weeks to implement and recruit results and each session lasting 10-20 minute Assessment will be performed at baseline.

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Key information

Conditions

Nystagmus Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Cranial Nerve Diseases Dizziness Ear Diseases Eye Diseases Labyrinth Diseases Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Nystagmus, Pathologic Ocular Motility Disorders Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Sensation Disorders Signs and Symptoms Vertigo Vestibular Diseases

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Foundation University College of Physical Therapy

Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan

About this study

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most prevalent peripheral vestibular disorder, significantly affecting patients' daily activities and quality of life. While vestibular maneuvers are widely used for treatment, evidence on the added benefits of combining these maneuvers with therapeutic exercises remains limited. This study aims to fill that gap by evaluating the effectiveness of an integrated approach, potentially enhancing symptom relief and supporting evidence-based clinical decisions. The combination may offer a more holistic strategy for managing BPPV, guiding healthcare professionals toward improved treatment protocols. Additionally, the research emphasizes a quick, accessible intervention suitable for clinical and emergency settings. By reducing dizziness more effectively, the study aspires to improve functional outcomes for patients. Overall, it highlights the value of innovative, combined therapies in vestibular care.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosed Patients of Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV)
  • Age between 18-35 years
  • Male & Female Patients
  • Positive Dix-Hall pike Test
  • Normal Cognitive Function: Able to follow instructions and provide informed consent.
  • Normal or Corrected-to-normal Vision
  • DHI Scale: Moderate (0-100)

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with visual impairment
  • Pregnancy
  • Patients with a history of severe heart disease
  • Patients with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
  • No other vestibular disorders or conditions that may affect balance
  • Pre-Existing Neurological or Musculoskeletal Conditions

Treatment and study plan

Occulomotor exercises

Procedure

Oculomotor exercises are used to treat BPPV and involve repeated head movements to habituate the brain to vertigo triggers.

Saccadic Eye Movement Exercises: Moving the eyes quickly between two stationary targets while keeping the head still.

Smooth Pursuit Exercises: Tracking a moving target with the eyes while keeping the head stationary.

Adaptation X1 Exercises: Moving the head horizontally while maintaining focus on a stationary target.

Adaptation X2 Exercises: Simultaneously moving the head and target in opposite directions horizontally, requiring the eyes to track the moving target.

Cervical Exercises

Procedure

Cervical exercise include Deep Neck flexor strengthening starts with the patient lie supine with knees bent.

Perform chin tuck and lift head ~2-3 cm off the surface. Hold for 5- 10 seconds. 10 repetitions, 2 sets daily.

DNF activate stabilizing neck muscles and reduce Cervicogenic Input & provides quick, non-invasive relief from BPPV.

Primary outcomes

  1. Nystagmus

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Dynamic leap and balance test

    Moderate Impairment:

    Noticeable instability, excessive sway, needs extra steps to regain balance, and slower performance.

    Severe Impairment:

    Unable to maintain balance after landing, requires assistance, or is unable to complete the task safely.

  2. benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Dix-Hall pike Test (DHT) is considered the gold standard assessment for the diagnosis of the vestibular disorder benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

    The patient starts in a sitting position and their head is turned 45° towards the side to be tested. The assessor then assists them to lie down quickly and extends their neck 20° over the end of the plinth, maintaining 45° rotation. The assessor should be able to see the patient's eyes and should observe for nystagmus. A positive response is elicited if rotational nystagmus is noted. The nystagmus will have a delayed onset of approximately 1-2 seconds following movement and it should subside after 10-20 seconds

  3. Dizziiness

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a widely used tool to assess the impact of dizziness on an individual's daily life.The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating a greater impact of dizziness.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Foundation University Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 14, 2026
Registry last updated
May 14, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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