Habituation Exercises Versus Proprioceptive Training in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common presentation of peripheral vestibular disorder characterized by features like vertigo, nausea, vomiting, imbalance and increased risk of fall . Among all vestibular disorders, BPPV accounts for almost 20% and mostly affects the female gender as compared to the male gender. This type of disorder mainly involves the remoteness of otoliths in the semi-circular canal; most commonly the posterior canal is involved.

A comparative study on posterior canal BPPV including modified Epley procedure alone and Epley procedure combined with vestibular rehabilitation. This cross sectional study illustrated that the results of Epley maneuver only were as same as effectual as with VRT(vestibular Rehabilitation therapy) by reducing the symptoms of residual unsteadiness in that particular population. Among all vertiginous disorders BPPV is most common. Vestibular rehabilitation was conducted as therapeutic option and its effects on balance and quality of life were being assessed. Dizziness Handicap Inventory was being used as outcome measure scale.

The difference in signs of dizziness and quality of life in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo were investigated. Three groups were taken including one with BPPV, the second one with balance deficits (non-BPPV) and the last group involved healthy participants. The study concluded that the patients with BPPV had reduced HRQOL (health related Quality of life), tiredness and increased risk of fall. Dizziness associated with bed mobility is an indicator for the need of diagnoses and treatment thus, repositioning maneuvers had good impact on reducing the severity.

The effects of conventional vestibular rehabilitation recurrence rates on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo aimed to find the impacts on otolith dysfunction. Although repositioning movements were proved fruitful yet the recurrence rates were high in older population as compared to young. Vestibular therapy including habituation exercises decreases the risks of recurrence in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

As balance impairments are common in individuals with vertigo and dizziness. Proprioceptive training was proved more efficient than vestibular therapy in reducing the chances of fall in elder population. BBS (berg balance scale) and TUG (Time up and Go test) were conducted to assess balance and risk of fall in older people.

Systematic review of the previous literature on the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation therapy in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.12 studies were based on inclusion criteria and the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation only and in combination with repositioning maneuver and also in comparison with it. Habituation exercises were included in VR therapeutic intervention, Conclusion were in favor of vestibular therapy as it showed reduction in discomfort caused by the condition.

Efficacy of vestibular therapy protocol to determine its effects on quality of life and postural balance. Randomized controlled trial was performed on 20 individuals. Outcome measure scales like DHI (dizziness handicap inventory), VAS (vertigo visual analogue scale) were used and it was observed that with vestibular rehabilitation there were consequences like better quality of life and reduced signs of vertigo and dizziness were achieved.

According to previous study there was a lack of control group in previous evidence whereas this study will focus on control as well as interventional groups. In previous literature, both of these therapeutic options i.e., habituation exercises and proprioceptive training were used in combination but in this study the comparison will be done between two exercise protocols.

Consequences will be manipulated for balance, vertigo, dizziness and quality of life.

Inclusion criteria

• Chronic vestibular disorder
• Diagnosed BPPV patients
• Normal vision
• Score of > 1 on VAS for vertigo
• Score of > 50 on DHI questionnaire
• Ability to follow the command

Exclusion criteria

• CNS involvement
• Orthopedic problem
• Unable to answer a simple verbal command
• Head injury or brain trauma
• Not medically diagnosed with any vestibular disorder