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NCT Number: NCT07583901

Effects of Gaze Stabilization Exercises and Optokinetic Training in Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

This study compares the effectiveness of Gaze Stabilization Exercises and Optokinetic Training in improving dizziness, balance, and confidence in individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders.

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Key information

Conditions

Nystagmus Cranial Nerve Diseases Eye Diseases Nervous System Diseases Nystagmus, Pathologic Ocular Motility Disorders Optokinetic Nystagmus

Age range

35 year–55 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

Peripheral vestibular disorders (PVD) commonly cause dizziness, postural instability, and decreased balance confidence, which increase the risk of falls and limit participation in daily activities. Vestibular rehabilitation is widely used to manage these symptoms. Among rehabilitation approaches, Gaze Stabilization Exercises (GSE) aim to improve vestibulo-ocular reflex function, while Optokinetic Training (OKT) promotes symptom habituation through visual motion stimulation. However, the comparative effectiveness of these two interventions remains unclear.

This study aims to compare the effects of GSE and OKT on dizziness severity, postural stability, and balance confidence in individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders. Participants will undergo intervention sessions three times per week for six weeks. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (week 3), and post-intervention (week 6).

Primary and secondary outcomes will include the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Data will be analyzed using SPSS statistical software. It is hypothesized that both interventions will improve dizziness, balance, and confidence, though differences in effectiveness may exist between the two approaches.

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation by identifying effective intervention strategies. The results may help clinicians design personalized rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing fall risk, improving functional mobility, and enhancing quality of life in individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Male and female patients aged 35-55 years
  • Complaining of dizziness for at least three months
  • Reporting at least one dizziness episode per month
  • Medical diagnosis of chronic peripheral vestibular disease
  • Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Medical history or signs of central nervous system disorders and/or psychiatric disorders
  • Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes
  • Incapacity to understand and follow simple verbal commands
  • Inability to independently remain in standing position
  • Severe visual impairment or visual impairment not compensated by corrective lenses
  • Orthopedic disorders resulting in movement limitation or use of lower-limb prostheses
  • Previous body balance rehabilitation in the last six months

Treatment and study plan

Gaze stabilization exercises

Procedure

The control group received gaze stabilization exercises for 6 weeks, comprising 18 supervised sessions conducted three times weekly. Training included VOR x1 and VOR x2 exercises in horizontal and vertical planes using near and far visual targets. Exercises progressed from sitting to standing positions and from simple to visually busy backgrounds. Each session also included balance training activities such as weight shifts, tandem stance, pivot turns, and walking with head movements, with rest periods provided as needed.

Optokinetic training

Procedure

The experimental group underwent optokinetic training for 6 weeks with 18 supervised sessions conducted three times weekly. Participants were exposed to progressively challenging moving visual stimuli, including distortion patterns, busy street scenes, motorway driving videos, and chequerboard jiggle/wrap patterns. Training advanced from sitting to standing with dynamic movements as visual complexity increased. Baseline and task-specific balance exercises were incorporated into every session, with adequate rest periods provided when necessary.

Primary outcomes

  1. Dizziness

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    It will be measured by using Dizziness Handicap Inventory.

    Score Interpretation:

    0-30: Slight or Mild Handicap 31-60: Moderate Handicap 61-100: Severe Handicap

  2. Postural Stability

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    It will be measured by using Dynamic Gait Index (DGI).

    Interpretation:

    ≤19 = increased fall risk 20-24 = safe ambulation Higher scores = better gait performance and dynamic balance Lower scores = impaired gait and higher fall risk

  3. Balance Confidence

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    It will be measured by using Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale.

    Interpretation:

    <50% = low level of physical functioning and high fall risk 50-80% = moderate level of functioning80% = high level of functioning and confidence Higher scores = greater balance confidence Lower scores = fear of falling and reduced functional independence

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Foundation University Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 13, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 7, 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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