Advances in Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based programme to encourage central nervous system (CNS) compensation for vestibular dysfunction. There is moderate to strong evidence to support VRT as a safe, effective management in reducing dizziness, vertigo, associated falls and improving quality of life in people with a unilateral and bilateral peripheral vestibular disorder. However, the evidence to discriminate between differing forms of treatment is unclear and, although, approximately 50% to 80% of persons with a vestibular dysfunction achieve significant subjective symptom, gait, dynamic visual acuity and postural stability improvements, full recovery is less common for reasons that currently remain unknown. Thus, further studies are required to identify optimal VRT approaches. The purpose of this investigation is to identify if the incorporation of dual-task (DT) exercises into a customised VRT programme will have an effect on treatment outcomes in persons with chronic vestibular disorders.