Randomized Controlled Trial of Vestibular Rehabilitation Combined with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Dizziness in Older People

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation combined with cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of dizziness in older people. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A randomized controlled design was used with patients recruited via an advertisement. Nine patients completed treatment and 10 served as waiting-list controls. The intervention lasted 7 weeks with 5 weekly group sessions and consisted of vestibular exercises. Cognitive behavioral therapy components were added to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and avoidance of feared situations and movements. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements on walking time, 2 dizziness provocative movements, and on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, but no effects on the Romberg or anxiety and depression. Of the treated patients, 89% reached statistical significant improvement on the total inventory score. CONCLUSION: Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with vestibular rehabilitation decreases dizziness in older people. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicate that cognitive behavioral therapy can be combined with vestibular rehabilitation in the treatment of dizziness.