DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Vestibular hypofunctions are defined as partial or complete insufficiency of the function of the peripheral or central vestibular system. Vestibular rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy treatment that has been shown to reduce signs and symptoms in patients with vestibular hypofunctions. Objective: To compare the effects of structured circuit training and conventional physical therapy treatment in patients with vestibular hypofunctions. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial and was completed from January to November 2020 at Sante Care Clinic, Ghazi Road, Lahore, Pakistan. About 14 participants were selected through a convenient sampling technique and patients diagnosed by general physicians with vestibular hypofunctions were recruited in this study. The goldfish bowl method was used to randomly allocate the participants in the conventional physical therapy group (n=07) and circuit training group (n=07). The outcome measuring tools were the Berg balance scale, dizziness handicap inventory, oscillopsia severity questionnaire, vestibular disorders activities of daily living scale, visual vertigo analog scale, vertigo handicap questionnaire and nystagmus specific quality of life questionnaire at baseline,  2nd and 4th week. Independent sample t-test and repeated measure ANOVA were used to analyze the parametric difference across and within each group respectively. Mann Whitney-U test and Friedman ANOVA were used to analyze across and within-group differences for non-parametric distribution. Cohen’s effect size was calculated and interpreted within-group from baseline to follow-up; and between groups on change scores. Results: The mean age of patients in this study was 41.85±11.27 years. A total of 13 females and 1 male were a part of this study. Comparison within the treatment group showed that scores of all the variables drastically improved after performing the circuit training for weeks by the treatment group. (p<0.05). There was a significant improvement from baseline to after four weeks of circuit training in all the outcome measuring tools in the interventional group (p<0.001) as compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study concluded that a structured circuit training plan has better outcomes as compared to the conventional group on all outcome measuring tools. There were no adverse effects reported during testing, circuit training in treatment group.