title: Effects of vestibular and balance rehabilitation on sensory organization and dizziness handicap.
abstract: This retrospective study was undertaken to assess balance recovery and dizziness handicap in 32 patients after a vestibular and balance rehabilitation program. Outcomes were compared between 12 patients with peripheral vestibular disorders and 20 patients with central or mixed balance disorders. The patients were tested with posturography (sensory organization test [SOT]) and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) before and after their therapy program. The vestibular SOT, composite SOT, and functional DHI scores obtained before and after exercise were significantly improved in both the peripheral and central groups. The visual SOT mean scores obtained before and after therapy were significantly different only for the group with central or mixed vestibular disorders. Changes in SOT scores were not directly correlated with changes in DHI scores. Outcome measures of vestibular rehabilitation protocols confirmed objective and subjective improvement of balance and dizziness handicap in patients with peripheral and central vestibular disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin 53562, USA.
authors.forename: Mary Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Badke
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Miedaner
authors.forename: Terry A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Shea
authors.forename: Colin R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Grove
authors.forename: G Mark
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Pyle
mesh_terms: D004244:Dizziness / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests