Effectiveness Between Virtual Reality Based Exercises Versus Conventional Exercises in Patients with Vertigo

Sep 5, 2026

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) causes brief episodes of nystagmus and dizziness, and virtual reality–based rehabilitation can be complex for some patient groups. This study uses customised video instructions grounded in conventional vestibular rehabilitation principles such as gaze stability and habituation, aiming to simplify delivery for rural patients. Thirty-four participants were divided into conventional (n=17) and virtual reality-based (n=17) groups. DHI-S and MSQ outcomes improved in both groups, supporting VR-enhanced rehabilitation as engaging and potentially more effective.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

Effectiveness Between Virtual Reality Based Exercises Versus Conventional Exercises in Patients with Vertigo Varun Kshirsagar1, Dr. Trupti Yadav2 1Intern, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad, India, Email [ID:](ID: kshirsagarvarun47@gmail.com)[ ](ID: kshirsagarvarun47@gmail.com)[kshirsagarvarun47@gmail.com](ID: kshirsagarvarun47@gmail.com) 2Associate Professor, HOD of Oncologic physiotherapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad, India. Email ID: [drtruptiwarude@gmail.com](drtruptiwarude@gmail.com) ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a condition characterised by brief episodes of nystagmus and dizziness. There are several studies which involve simulated environment such as crossing a road, walking down the aisle or manoeuvring in a supermarket as treatment protocol in the virtual reality group which can be complex for our subset of population. So, our study involves customised videos based on principles of conventional exercises such as gaze stability and habituation exercises involving biofeedback which provide simplified commands to the rural population affected by this condition. Therefore, our study will compare the effectiveness between conventional and virtual realitybased exercises in patients with vertigo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The population (n=34) was divided into conventional group (17) and virtual reality-based group (17) . Participants with dizziness caused by central vestibular disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis), Meniere’s disease, migraine, or severe cervical spondylosis were excluded from the study. Two validated questionnaires such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory scale (DHI-S) and Motion sensitivity quotient (MSQ) index were used as outcome measures. RESULTS: Both groups showed improvement in both outcome measures. The mean DHI score for the conventional group pre intervention was 42 ± 2.7 and for the Virtual reality-based group was 40 ± 2.4. For MSQ, the mean score for conventional group was 25 ± 2.5 and for the Virtual reality-based group was 23 ± 2.2. But post-intervention, the mean DHI score for conventional group decreased to 38 ± 2.5 and for VRB group the score was 37 ± 2.4. Similarly, for MSQ, the mean score for conventional group was 22 ± 2.1 and for the VRB group was 20 ± 1.9. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that both conventional vestibular rehabilitation exercises and those enhanced by virtual reality (VR) technology resulted in improved patient reported symptoms for DHI and MSQ. While conventional methods have proven to be effective, the integration of VR offers an engaging, adaptive, and potentially more effective means of rehabilitation. 1. INTRODUCTION Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is characterized by brief periods of vertigo triggered by a changing head position relative to gravity. It is the most common peripheral vestibular disorder, accounting for one third of vestibular diagnosis in the population. It is most commonly seen in older ages due to the degeneration of statoconia, arising from demineralization.[1] Although there isn’t any specific cause of BPPV, it can be linked to head trauma, lying in a position for a long period of time and disorders involving the inner ears.[2] One recent meta-analysis concluded various risk factors associated with BPPV which is the female gender, vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, high Total Cholesterol (TC) level, migraine and head trauma.[3] One of the most commonly affected canals in BPPV is the posterior canal. The features presented by the affected canal differ respectively. The two prevailing theories regarding pathophysiology of BPPV are the canalithiasis and cupulolithiasis models, and they differ with respect to how endolymphatic debris influences cupular dynamics. In the cupulolithiasis model, the particulate matter becomes adherent to the cupula itself. This cupular loading renders the system

FAQs

What condition is the study focused on?

The study focuses on Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a peripheral vestibular disorder characterized by brief vertigo triggered by head position changes.

How were participants grouped in the research?

A total of 34 participants were divided into a conventional exercise group (17) and a virtual reality-based exercise group (17). Certain central vestibular and related conditions were excluded.

What measures were used to evaluate outcomes?

Outcomes were assessed using two validated questionnaires: the Dizziness Handicap Inventory scale (DHI-S) and the Motion Sensitivity Quotient (MSQ) index.

Sep 5, 2026

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