Use of Virtual Reality Tools for Vestibular Disorders Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Analysis

Table 1

Main characteristics of the studies.

Study	Patients/ages	Vestibular problem	Type of virtual reality device	Measurements of efficacity
dos Santos et al. (2009); ACTA ORL [31]	= 8 (18–60 years, mean 41 years)	Chronic vestibular dysfunction	Balance Rehabilitation Unit (BRU) with virtual reality glasses projecting visual stimuli	(i) Dizziness Handicap Index (DHI); (ii) Vertigo analogic Scale (VAS); (iii) Stabilisation limits (LOS); (iv) Audiometer (tonal, vocal); (v) Impedance; (vi) Vectonystagmography; (vii) Posturography
Rodrigues et al. (2009); Rev Equilibro Corporal e Saude [32]	= 10 (24–76 years, mean 51 years)	Chronic vestibular disorder secondary to Ménière’s disease	Balance Rehabilitation Unit (BRU) with visual stimuli (glasses)	(i) DHI; (ii) VAS; (iii) LOS; (iv) Computerized Posturography
Viirre and Sitarz (2002) Laryngoscope [33]	= 15 (age n/a); (i) = 9 patients; (ii) = 6 controls	Vertigo symptoms for more than 6 months (with no improvement for at least 6 months)	Head-mounted Display (HMD) much like a visor with mounted video screens	(i) DHI; (ii) Vestibuloocular reflex (VOR)
Pavlou et al. (2012); J Vestib Res [34]	= 16 (18–75 years, mean 40 years); (i) = 11 (Group S = static virtual reality); (ii) = 5 (Group D = dynamic virtual reality); (iii) = 5 Group D1 (5 patients from Group S who had also dynamic treatment)	Confirmed peripheral vestibular deficit (caloric test and/or rotational test on ENG)	ReaCtoR in the Department of Computer Science: immersive projection theatre (IPT). 3 rear-projected vertical screens (3 m × 2.2 m)	(i) Situational Vertigo Questionnaire; (ii) Beck Depression Inventory; (iii) Beck Anxiety Inventory; (iv) Fear Questionnaire; (v) Dynamic Gait Index (DGI); (vi) Virtual reality exercise symptom scores (VRCESS)
Sparrer et al. (2013); Acta Otolaryngol [35]	= 71 (28–84 years, mean 43 years); (i) = 37 patients; (ii) = 34 controls	Acute vestibular neuritis (sudden, spontaneous, and unilateral loss of peripheral vestibular function within 48 h of the onset of vertigo)	Wii Fit balance board with image on screen	(i) DHI; (ii) Wii Fit age; (iii) Sensory Organization Test (SOT); (iv) Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS); (v) Tinetti questionnaire
Whitney et al. (2009); Physical Therapy Reviews [36]	= 12 (18–80 years, mean 52 years)	Vestibular disorders with dizziness and loss of balance	Treadmill in a virtual grocery store on a screen	(i) DHI; (ii) Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC); (iii) Dynamic Gait Index (DGI); (iv) Timed Up and Go (TUG); (v) Sensory Organization Test (SOT)
Garcia et al. (2013); Braz J; Otorhinolaryngol [37]	= 44 (18–60 years, mean 48 years); (i) = 23 cases; (ii) = 21 controls	Unilateral or Bilateral Ménière’s disease	Balance Rehabilitation Unit (BRU) with virtual reality glasses projecting visual stimuli	(i) DHI; (ii) Analog dizziness scale; (iii) ENT examination; (iv) PTA audiometry, impedance; (v) Functional vestibular examination; (vi) Speech intelligibility testing; (vii) Posturography