Dizziness among patients with whiplash-associated disorder: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether vestibular rehabilitation for patients with whiplash-associated disorder and dizziness had any effect on balance measures and self-perceived handicap.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled trial.


METHODS
Twenty-nine patients, 20 women and 9 men, age range 22-76 years.


METHODS
The patients were randomized to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention comprised vestibular rehabilitation. All patients were assessed at baseline, after 6 weeks and after 3 months with 4 different balance measures and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory.


RESULTS
After 6 weeks, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements compared with the control group in the following measures: standing on one leg eyes open (p=0.02), blindfolded tandem stance (p=0.045), Dizziness Handicap Inventory total score (p=0.047), Dizziness Handicap Inventory functional score (p=0.005) and in Dizziness Handicap Inventory physical score (p=0.033). After 3 months, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements compared with the control group in the following measures: standing on one leg eyes open (p=0.000), tandem stance (p=0.033) and Dizziness Handicap Inventory physical score (p=0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
Vestibular rehabilitation for patients with whiplash-associated disorder can decrease self-perceived handicap and increase postural control.
Ekvall Hansson
Eva
E
Department of Clinical Sciences, Family Medicine, From the University of Lund, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. eva.ekvall-hansson@med.lu.se
Månsson
Nils-Ove
NO
Ringsberg
Karin A M
KA
Håkansson
Anders
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004244:Dizziness / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012649:Self Concept; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*