Three-dimensional Virtual Reality Procedures in Vestibular Rehabilitation

The aim of the present study will be to discover possible (i) improvements achievable in unilateral vestibular hypofunction patients using a self-assessed head-mounted device (HMD)-based gaming procedure when combined with a classical vestibular rehabilitation protocol (HMD group) as compared with a group undergoing only vestibular rehabilitation and (ii) HMD procedure-related side effects. Main outcomes will be: otoneurological testing (vestibulo-ocular reflex gain study by means of vHIT and posturography measures with particular attention on power spectra) and self-report and performance measures (DHI, DGI and ABC). Side effects of HMD implementation will be studied by means of Simulator Sickness Questionnaires. Moreover, second part of the study would collect patients' data one year after the end of the vestibular rehabilitation or its implementation with HMD.

Due to the recent outbreak of virtual reality in the field of rehabilitation, the use of head-mounted devices has been proposed in addition to conventional vestibular rehabilitation therapy in unilateral vestibular hypofunction patients. This approach has been proved to be useful in maximizing vestibular rehabilitation outcomes, with minimum simulator-related side effects. Virtual reality-based devices have been tested in vestibular rehabilitation by many clinicians, due to the possibility of achieving habituation, substitution and adaptation, the effectiveness in people presenting visual vertigo, and the positive effects on anxiety. Thus, due to the undeniable relevance of testing outcomes of vestibular rehabilitation, and the promising results of head-mounted device-based home exercises in ameliorating its effects, the aim of this study will be to compare - in terms of short- (one week) and long-term (one year) effects - the subjective and objective indicators of vestibular function in a population of patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction after completing conventional vestibular rehabilitation therapy with a randomized group who underwent a mixed-methods protocol including vestibular rehabilitation and head-mounted device treatment over the same period of time.