Julia Treleaven1, Gunnel Peterson2, Maria Landén Ludvigsson3, Ann-Sofi Kammerlind4, Anneli Peolsson5. 1. NHMRC CCRE (Spinal Pain, Injury and Health), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Electronic address: j.treleaven@uq.edu.au. 2. Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, Sweden. 3. Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Rehab Väst, County Council of Östergötland, Sweden. 4. Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Futurum the Academy for Healthcare, County Council Jönköping, Sweden. 5. Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Dizziness and unsteadiness are common symptoms following a whiplash injury. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of 3 exercise programs on balance, dizziness, proprioception and pain in patients with chronic whiplash complaining of dizziness. DESIGN: A sub-analysis of a randomized study. METHODS:One hundred and forty subjects were randomized to either a physiotherapist-guided neck-specific exercise (NSE), physiotherapist-guided neck-specific exercise, with a behavioural approach (NSEB) or prescription of general physical activity (PPA) group. Pre intervention, 3, 6 and 12 months post baseline they completed the University of California Los Angeles Dizziness Questionnaire (UCLA-DQ), Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) for, dizziness at rest and during activity and physical measures (static and dynamic clinical balance tests and headrepositioning accuracy (HRA)). RESULTS: There were significant time by group differences with respect to dizziness during activity and UCLA-Q favouring the physiotherapy led neck specific exercise group with a behavioural approach. Within group analysis of changes over time also revealed significant changes in most variables apart from static balance. CONCLUSION: Between and within group comparisons suggest that physiotherapist led neck exercise groups including a behavioural approach had advantages in improving measures of dizziness compared with the general physical activity group, although many still complained of dizziness and balance impairment. Future studies should consider exercises specifically designed to address balance, dizziness and cervical proprioception in those with persistent whiplash. Crown
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND:Dizziness and unsteadiness are common symptoms following a whiplash injury. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of 3 exercise programs on balance, dizziness, proprioception and pain in patients with chronic whiplash complaining of dizziness. DESIGN: A sub-analysis of a randomized study. METHODS: One hundred and forty subjects were randomized to either a physiotherapist-guided neck-specific exercise (NSE), physiotherapist-guided neck-specific exercise, with a behavioural approach (NSEB) or prescription of general physical activity (PPA) group. Pre intervention, 3, 6 and 12 months post baseline they completed the University of California Los Angeles Dizziness Questionnaire (UCLA-DQ), Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) for, dizziness at rest and during activity and physical measures (static and dynamic clinical balance tests and head repositioning accuracy (HRA)). RESULTS: There were significant time by group differences with respect to dizziness during activity and UCLA-Q favouring the physiotherapy led neck specific exercise group with a behavioural approach. Within group analysis of changes over time also revealed significant changes in most variables apart from static balance. CONCLUSION: Between and within group comparisons suggest that physiotherapist led neck exercise groups including a behavioural approach had advantages in improving measures of dizziness compared with the general physical activity group, although many still complained of dizziness and balance impairment. Future studies should consider exercises specifically designed to address balance, dizziness and cervical proprioception in those with persistent whiplash. Crown
Authors: Charlotte De Vestel; Luc Vereeck; Susan A Reid; Vincent Van Rompaey; Joris Lemmens; Willem De Hertogh Journal: J Man Manip Ther Date: 2022-04-06