Abstract

A COMPARISON OF VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION APPROACHES ON BALANCE IN HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN WITH VESTIBULAR DYSFUNCTION

Shilpa Khandare, Nigel Gonsalves*, Dr. Tushar Palekar PhD., Vidhi Shah and Trupti Siddapur

Abstract

Introduction: Vestibular dysfunction leads to dizziness symptoms and balance impairments in individuals. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a highly effective in improving balance impairments. This study mainly aims to compare the effect of Gaze Stability exercises and Brandt – Daroff exercises on balance in vestibular dysfunction in children with hearing impaired. Objectives: 1. To study the effect of Gaze Stability exercises on balance in hearing impaired children with vestibular dysfunction. 2. To study the effect of Brandt- Daroff exercises on balance in hearing impaired children with vestibular dysfunction. 3. To compare the effect of gaze stability exercises and Brandt – Daroff exercises on balance in hearing impaired children with vestibular dysfunction. Methodology: Thirty one hearing impaired children between the ages of 10 to 17 with positive symptoms of vestibular dysfunction in any two tests out of the following - Dix Hall Pike maneuver, Fukuda Step test, Roll’s test and Sharpened Romberg’s test were selected. Baseline evaluation for balance assessment was done using Pediatric Balance Scale. The values obtained pre and post interventions were recorded. Children were divided into two groups, one group received Gaze Stability exercises and the other group received Brandt- Daroff exercises. Both groups received the treatment for 10 days. Result: There was significant improvement in (p<0.001) in balance for Pediatric Balance Scale in both the groups. Both groups showed improvement in balance. However, the group which received Gaze Stability exercises showed more improvement than the Brandt- Daroff exercise group. Conclusion: The results of this study conclude that Gaze Stability exercises and Brandt- Daroff exercises are effective in treating vestibular dysfunction in hearing impaired children and helps improve balance. Gaze Stability exercises clinically showed a better outcome than Brandt- Daroff exercises.

Keywords: Gaze Stability Exercises, Brandt- Daroff Exercises, Vestibular Dysfunction, Balance.