Visual-vestibular habituation and balance training for motion sickness.
OBJECTIVE
This case report describes physical therapy for motion sickness in a 34-year-old woman. The purpose of the report is twofold: (1) to provide an overview of the literature regarding motion sickness syndrome, causal factors, and rationale for treatment and (2) to describe the evaluation and treatment of a patient with motion sickness.


METHODS
The patient initially had moderate to severe visually induced motion sickness, which affected her functional abilities and prevented her from working. Following 10 weeks of a primarily home-based program of visual-vestibular habituation and balance training, her symptoms were alleviated and she could resume all work-related activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Although motion sickness affects nearly one third of all people who travel by land, sea, or air, little documentation exists regarding prevention or management.
Rine
R M
RM
Department of Orthopedics, Division of Physical Therapy, University of Miami School of Medicine, Plumer Bldg, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA. rmrine@miami.edu
Schubert
M C
MC
Balkany
T J
TJ
D000328:Adult; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009041:Motion Sickness / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014796:Visual Perception