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Abstract
Aims: To explore changes in different outcome measures in a follow-up of persons with dizziness, and to investigate if these changes indicate different domains of functioning. Methodology: Sixty-eight persons with dizziness, mean age of 47 years, were included in an 18-month follow-up. Outcome measures used: the Vertigo Symptom Scale, Patient Specific Functional Scale, Disability Scale, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, and tests of Dynamic Visual Acuity, Single Leg Stance, and Walking Speeds. Major findings: We found significant improvements in impairments indicated by outcome measures of dizziness and visual acuity, and in activity and participation indicated by outcome measures of standing balance, patient-specific activities, disability and quality of life. Similar patterns of change were also found in subgroup analyses, except in gender. Correlations between change-scores were in the range r = 0–0.6. Significant correlations were found between change scores indicating body function and activity/participation (0.3 ≤ r ≥ 5). We found no correlations between self-report measures and tests. Conclusion: Comprehensive use of outcome measures addressing body function, activity and participation appear to provide information of changes in different domains of functioning. To enable broad and meaningful follow-up of patients with long-lasting dizziness, generic and condition-specific measures, self-reports and tests in different domains of functioning should be further explored.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to all participants, the National Insurance Administration (now part of the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Organisation, established in 2006), and collaborate partners for assisting in recruitment of eligible participants to the study.
Conflicts of interest: None to declare.