Article

Considering the emerging advantages related to virtual reality implementation in
clinical rehabilitation, the aim of the present study was to discover possible
(i) improvements achievable in unilateral vestibular hypofunction patients using
a self-assessed head-mounted device (HMD)-based gaming procedure when combined
with a classical vestibular rehabilitation protocol (HMD group) as compared with
a group undergoing only vestibular rehabilitation and (ii) HMD procedure-related
side effects. Therefore, 24 vestibular rehabilitation and 23-matched HMD
unilateral vestibular hypofunction individuals simultaneously underwent a 4-week
rehabilitation protocol. Both otoneurological measures (vestibulo-ocular reflex
gain and postural arrangement by studying both posturography parameters and
spectral values of body oscillation) and performance and self-report measures
(Italian Dizziness Handicap Inventory; Activities-specific Balance Confidence
scale; Zung Instrument for Anxiety Disorders, Dynamic Gait Index; and Simulator
Sickness Questionnaire) were analyzed by means of a between-group/within-subject
analysis of variance model. A significant post-treatment between-effect was
found, and the HMD group demonstrated an overall improvement in vestibulo-ocular
reflex gain on the lesional side, in posturography parameters, in low-frequency
spectral domain, as well as in Italian Dizziness Handicap Inventory and
Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale scores. Meanwhile, Simulator
Sickness Questionnaire scores demonstrated a significant reduction in symptoms
related to experimental home-based gaming tasks during the HMD procedure. Our
findings revealed the possible advantages of HMD implementation in vestibular
rehabilitation, suggesting it as an innovative, self-assessed, low-cost, and
compliant tool useful in maximizing vestibular rehabilitation outcomes.

Langue : ANGLAIS