The effectiveness of exercise-therapy on improvement of balance, gait, quality of life and depression in elderly patients with vertigo due to peripheral disturbances of vestibular system

Introduction: Vertigo is the sign of vestibular system complications that induce sense of rotation in individual toward environment or the patient himself. It also induces imbalance in gait and operational activities of patients that may lead to depression in individuals. In this study Cawthorne-cooksey exercises were used to remove signs of vestibular system complications and consequently improve balance and gait in patients suffer from vestibular complications. Materials and Methods: This study was a non-randomized prospective quisi-experimental investigation done in physiotherapy clinic of Al-zahra hospital in Isfahan province during the year 2007. As a consultation with expert statisticians, among old patients with vestibular system complications referred Al-zahra hospital, 41 patients were enrolled in to our study non-randomly. The exercises were taught to patients during three steps. Patients were asked to perform each group of exercises 10 minutes three times a day for one week. To assess the balance, gait, quality of life and depression in patients before and after treatment and also after one month follow-up, we used Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, and Beck questionnaire respectively. To analyze data paired t-test and Wilcoxon test were used. Results : There was statistical significant difference in balance before and after treatment (P < 0.001), before treatment and after follow-up (P < 0.001), and also after treatment and after follow-up (P < 0.001). There was statistical significant difference in gait before and after treatment (P < 0.001), before treatment and after follow-up (P < 0.001), and also after treatment and after follow-up (P < 0.001). There was statistical significant difference in quality of life before and after treatment (P < 0.001), before treatment and after follow-up (P < 0.001), and also after treatment and after follow-up (P < 0.001). There was statistical significant difference in depression before and after treatment (P < 0.001), before treatment and after follow-up (P < 0.001), and also after treatment and after follow-up (P < 0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that using Cawthorne-cooksey exercises lead to improve balance, gait, quality of life and depression in adult patients for at least one month. To achieve desired treatment goals, patients should continue their daily activities even after one month for a long period of time. Keywords: Vertigo, Exercise therapy, Balance, Walking, Quality of life, Depression.