The effects of vestibular training in a balance program in the general population versus a post-concussive population

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Concussions cause symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, vertigo, and cognitive disturbances. Long-term complications such as balance and vestibular dysfunction associated with concussion require further investigation. Research is limited on benefits of vestibular training post-concussion. PURPOSE: This research study examined the effects of a vestibular rehabilitation protocol in conjunction with a balance training program in the general and post-concussive populations. METHODS: Participants were 18 to 40 years of age who sustained a concussion within the past three years, or who were individuals in the general population. Pretest and posttest measures of balance and dizziness with daily function for this study include the following outcome measures: Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), Y-Balance Test, and Dizziness Handicap Index (DHI). Individuals were randomly assigned to the experimental group performing balance training program with a vestibular protocol or the control group completed balance training alone. Both groups completed exercises 3-4 times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. RESULTS:. Results from 29 participants from general population were analyzed using a mixed ANOVA set at a 95% confidence interval (p=0.05) to determine significance from pretest to posttest. Data exclusion occurred with 1 participant with concussion due to insufficient sample size. No significant differences were found upon data analysis from the three outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Our study found no significance between pretest and posttest measures in the general population. Additional research is warranted to further assess the impact of vestibular rehabilitation included in balance training for post-concussive populations. Recommendations for future studies include increased recruitment of post-concussive individuals and more challenging tests.