Comparison of Home-Based Exercise on the Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Symptoms
Comparison of Home-Based Exercise on the Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Symptoms
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vestibular disorder in adults
 and the treatment of choice is by particle repositioning manoeuvres (PRM). This study aims to
 compare the treatment efficacy of two home-based exercises, self-Epley manoeuvre (SEM) and
 Brandt-Daroff exercise (BDE) in patients with posterior canal BPPV based on vertigo
 resolution, reduction of vertigo intensity, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores and the
 conversion of a positive to negative Dix-Hallpike test.
Study Objective:

 To compare the efficacy of the self-Epley manoeuvre to the Brandt-Daroff exercise in
 resolving vertigo symptoms in patients with unilateral posterior canal BPPV.

 Study Design:

 Single-blind randomized controlled study

 Sample Size:

 Fifty patients were recruited in the study and were divided with 25 patients in each
 treatment arm.

 Study Method:

 Patients who satisfy the inclusion criteria and have given informed consent were randomized
 into the 2 treatment groups. A dedicated physiotherapist will demonstrate the selected
 exercise (either SEM or BDE) and observed the patient performing the exercise twice to ensure
 the ability of the patient to perform it correctly at home. A diary was provided for the
 patients to chart the therapy sessions performed at home as well as a pamphlet with simple
 illustrated instructions of the chosen exercise. The patients were asked to perform the
 home-based exercise for 2 weeks.

 Primary Outcome Measure

 - Resolution of vertigo symptoms in patients with unilateral posterior canal BPPV.

 Secondary Outcome Measures

 -  Vertigo resolution at 1 and 6 months;

 -  The conversion of positive to negative Dix-Hallpike test between both groups after 1
 month;

 -  Vertigo intensity in unresolved vertigo patients at 1 & 6 months;

 -  The Dizziness Handicap Inventory between both groups at 1 and 6 months.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  patients who have had symptoms of vertigo for at least 1 week duration,

 -  patients with a documented positive Dix-Hallpike test on referral,

 -  patients with intact cognitive function and had the ability to communicate and
 understand instructions to perform a home-based exercise.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  patients with history of prior ear surgery,

 -  patients with orthopaedic or connective tissue disorder that impairs functional neck
 or trunk range of motion,

 -  patients with a significant neurological disorder or spinal cord damage, and

 -  patients who have been prescribed with home-based exercises for BPPV.