The Epley Maneuver Versus Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises in the Treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Study Objective:

To observe the efficacy of Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises applied after the Epley maneuver on balance, vertigo symptoms, and quality of life in patients with posterior canal BPPV.

Study Design:

Single-blind randomized controlled study

Sample Size:

Thirty-six patients were recruited in the study and were randomized equally into Epley maneuver (EpleyM) and Epley maneuver and exercise (EpleyM&Exe) groups.

Study Method:

All patients were treated with the Epley maneuver, while CawthorneCooksey exercises were given to the EpleyM&Exe group as home exercises for 6 weeks. Static and dynamic balance, vertigo and associated symptoms, and quality of life were assessed with the Nintendo Wii Balance Board, Berg Balance Test, Vertigo Symptom Scale, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory, respectively. The assessments were repeated at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th weeks.

Inclusion criteria

• having posterior semicircular canal BPPV with upbeating-torsional nystagmus and positional vertigo as evaluated by the Dix-Hallpike Test
• agreeing to undergo the Epley maneuver after that test
• agreeing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• having history or symptoms of vestibular system disorders other than BPPV or central nervous system disorders causing dizziness
• having cervical and/or lumbar pathology due to which the Epley maneuver could not be performed
• having lower extremity pain or an operation that prevented standing and/or weight bearing
• having anterior or horizontal canal BPPV
• having previously undergone a vestibular rehabilitation program