Postmaneuver restrictions in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: an individual patient data meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) with the Epley and Semont maneuvers has been used with and without postmaneuver postural restrictions. Studies examining these restrictions have yielded differing results. This study sought to examine the studies for a more uniform conclusion.


METHODS
Controlled studies with objective identification of unilateral posterior semicircular canal BPPV and symptom resolution were analyzed. A PubMed search identified six studies totaling 523 patients meeting all inclusion criteria.


METHODS
Cohorts treated with and without restrictions were compared. Individual patient pooled analyses in a one-stage comparison were used for the meta-analysis.


RESULTS
Pooled results of all restriction types showed no advantage over no restriction. Studies including each individual restriction were examined against the pooled population to look for technique differences. No restriction was found to be statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The restrictions examined in controlled trials did not differ significantly in clinical outcomes, which suggests that restrictions do not appear to significantly affect the efficacy of BPPV maneuvers.
Devaiah
Anand K
AK
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, 88 East NewtonSt, D608 Collamore, Boston, MA 02118, USA. anand.devaiah@bmc.org
Andreoli
Steven
S
D000465:Algorithms; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D019416:Head Movements; D006801:Humans; D018953:Kinesiology, Applied / Q000379:methods; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000503:physiopathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*