Effects of Wiifit vs Conventional Vestibular Rehabilitation on Dizziness and Balance in Patients With Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction

Summary

Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction (UPVD) causes dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, and reduced quality of life.

Conventional Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (cVRT) is effective, while WiiFit-based virtual reality training may further enhance motivation and neuroplasticity.

This study aims to compare WiiFit-based training with conventional rehabilitation in improving balance and reducing dizziness in UPVD patients.

A randomized controlled trial will include participants aged 18-65 meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Participants will be randomly divided into two groups: Group A receiving conventional therapy (40 minutes, 3 sessions/week) and Group B receiving WiiFit-based exercises for 4 weeks.

Outcomes will be assessed using DHI, Mini-BESTest, and VADL before and after intervention.

Conditions

• Vestibular Dysfunction
• Vestibular Diseases
• Vertigo
• Dizziness
• Balance
• Exercise Therapy
• Virtual Reality

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Participants in the control group will undergo standard vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which includes gaze stabilization, habituation, and balance retraining activities. The program will consist of three sessions weekly, spanning four consecutive weeks, with each session lasting around 30 to 40 minutes. Exercises will start in a sitting posture and gradually move to standing and dynamic balancing activities, customized to the patient's tolerance and safety. To mitigate danger, sessions will occur in a peaceful, organized environment with supportive aids (e.g. chair or wall) accessible. Safety standards will encompass a pre-session fall risk assessment and therapist oversight, while any adverse events will be recorded and addressed under physician consultation.

PROCEDURE

Wiifit Vestibular Training

Participants in the experimental group will engage in vestibular training via the Wii Fit on the Nintendo Wii balancing platform. Sessions will include interactive balancing activities aimed at challenging postural control, coordination, and visual-vestibular integration. Training will consist of three sessions each week over four weeks, with each session lasting about 30 minutes, progressively increasing from fundamental to more intricate activities based on participant performance and safety considerations. Real-time feedback from the Wii system will be utilized to improve motivation, adherence, and task engagement. Safety measures will encompass therapist oversight at all times, the prevention of abrupt head movements or visual distractions during initial phases, and the delivery of both written and vocal directives to avert falls.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Foundation University Islamabad

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-11-18

Primary Completion

2026-04-29

Completion

2026-04-29

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations