Peripheral vestibular disorders are common in otorhinolaryngology practice. These patients often complain of vertigo and dizziness, as well as balance problems, causing an important impact on health-related quality of life. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of manual therapy combined with physical therapist-directed vestibular rehabilitation in patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular hypofunction. The design of this study is a randomized controlled trial with two groups (experimental and control groups). The impact of dizziness on daily function and quality of life (Dizziness Handicap Inventory), the fear of falling and the balance confidence (Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale-16 items), postural control (stabilometric platform) as well as the intensity (visual analogue scale) and number of the vertiginous crisis will be determined. The intervention period will last four weeks. Participants of the experimental group will receive 4 sessions of manual therapy together with physical therapist-directed vestibular rehabilitation, while participants of the control group will receive home-based vestibular rehabilitation. Outcome measurements will take place at baseline, immediately after the intervention, one month and six months after the intervention. Within-group and between-group data will be analyzed and interpreted.
Randomized clinical trial with a control group that aims to evaluate the effects of a manual therapy protocol, together with a physical therapist-directed vestibular rehabilitation program, in patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular hypofunction. The intervention period will last approximately 4 weeks. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, just after the intervention, as well as 1 and 6 months after the intervention.