Research on the Effects of a Web-Based System With Oculomotor and Optokinetic Stimuli on Vestibular Rehabilitation

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OBJECTIVE: The variety and use of technologies used in vestibular rehabilitation are very limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Web-based system on vestibular rehabilitation in patients with vestibular hypofunction. DESIGN: A total of 20 patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction were randomly assigned to two groups. Conventional vestibular rehabilitation was applied to the control group, whereas the study group received treatment with the Web-based system supporting the vestibulo-ocular reflex with oculomotor and optokinetic stimulus (Simulation of Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Exercises). Vestibular and balance tests, oculomotor level, the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory were used to evaluate the treatment's efficacy. RESULTS: Vestibular symptoms and findings, balance tests, oculomotor functions, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory improved significantly in both groups after the interventions (P < 0.05). In the intergroup analysis, improvement was found in eyes closed Romberg, semitandem, and left one-foot position balance tests in favor of the study group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The new vestibular technology, Simulation of Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Exercises, was found to be effective in vestibular rehabilitation.