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Abstract
Background: A 2015 systematic review evaluated the efficacy of utilizing virtual reality in vestibular rehabilitation programs. However, the biggest limitation with most of the included virtual reality systems was the associated cost of the equipment. In addition, home-based exercises are the preferred method of vestibular rehabilitation treatments.
Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of home-based virtual reality systems on vestibular rehabilitation outcomes.
Methods: The following databases were examined: CINAHL Complete, ProQuest Medical Database, and PubMed. The following search terms were utilized: ‘video OR computer’ AND ‘vestibular’ AND ‘home’. The evidence level for all of the included articles was evaluated using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence and the methodological rigor for all of the included articles was evaluated using a 10-item tool created by Medlicott and Harris.
Results: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven articles were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. This systematic review found that home-based virtual reality interventions were able to effectively achieve the primary objectives of vestibular rehabilitation and that the use of these interventions was equally as effective as the use of a traditional vestibular rehabilitation program. In addition, it may be most beneficial to combine virtual reality with traditional vestibular rehabilitation.
Conclusions: Clinicians should consider using a combination of virtual reality and traditional vestibular rehabilitation when treating individuals who have been diagnosed with a vestibular dysfunction.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Bonni Lynn Kinne
Dr. Bonni Lynn Kinne is an associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Grand Valley State University. In addition, she continues to service the needs of patients with vestibular disorders on a part-time basis. She has developed eight different vestibular rehabilitation continuing education courses, and she presents these courses several times per year across the country. She is nationally certified in vestibular rehabilitation, and she has published several peer-reviewed journal articles in this area of physical therapy.
Katelynn Jo Owens
Dr. Katelynn Jo Owens graduated from Grand Valley State University with a doctoral degree in physical therapy in 2019.
Brittany Ann Rajala
Dr. Brittany Ann Rajala graduated from Grand Valley State University with a doctoral degree in physical therapy in 2019.
Stephanie Kay Ticknor
Dr. Stephanie Kay Ticknor graduated from Grand Valley State University with a doctoral degree in physical therapy in 2019.