Internet-based Self-help Program for Vestibular Rehabilitation in Chronic Dizziness

Overview

Chronic dizziness,or persistent positional perceptual dizziness (PPPS) is a common condition that results in impaired quality of life and work ability of those affected. Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) is an evidence-based and recommended treatment for chronic dizziness. The treatment involves training in specific exercises that challenge the balance system and eventually improve dizziness. The main challenge with this treatment is that it is usually best provided with individual follow-up of therapists trained in the method. Limited resources and the lack of dissemination of this knowledge mean that only a minority of patients receive adequate treatment. An internet-based self-help program in vestibular rehabilitation has been developed in Norwegian with demonstration and instructions of exercises. The program has six lessons, together lasting for six weeks. Patients are given the opportunity to exercise at home, without the use of treatment resources and without spending time traveling to the treatment site. Patients will have access through their general practitioner or health institution at no extra cost. If it turns out that the program works according to the intention, the investigators will be able to offer VR to a large number of PPPS patients who previously would not receive treatment for their condition. The aim of the pilot study is to find out if the internet program for PPPS works as intended and evaluate incoming data and make changes to the program. In addition, the investigators will gain experience in using the program before designing a randomized clinical trial (RCT). The aim of such an RCT would be to compare this internet based treatment to traditional treatment.