In 2009, a study conducted by R. Teggi and colleagues, the effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients recovering from acute vestibular disturbance was rigorously examined. The study, published in [Journal Name], aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured rehabilitation program on patients experiencing rotational vertigo episodes lasting several days.

Forty patients who had been recently hospitalized due to acute vertigo were randomly assigned to either the rehabilitation group (Group R) or the control group (Group C). Group R, consisting of 20 patients, underwent an intensive rehabilitation regimen, while Group C, also comprising 20 patients, were instructed to continue their daily activities without any specific intervention.

The rehabilitation program for Group R included 10 sessions, incorporating exercises on a stabilometric platform, point de mire exercises, and a series of repetitions of five specific exercises daily. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted for all participants, which involved static stabilometry (posturography), the dynamic gait index test, a dizziness handicap questionnaire, and a visual analogue scale for anxiety.

Results revealed notable improvements in all measured outcomes for the rehabilitated patients compared to the control group after 25 days. Although the most significant enhancement was observed in the dynamic gait index test, this difference did not reach statistical significance. However, a statistically significant reduction in anxiety levels, as indicated by the visual analogue scale, was observed in the rehabilitated group compared to the control group. Additionally, it was found that control patients maintained a higher reliance on visual cues for postural control.

The findings of this study suggest the effectiveness of supervised exercise programs in aiding patients recovering from acute vestibular disturbances. Furthermore, a correlation was observed in both groups between the results of the dynamic gait index test and anxiety levels. The rehabilitation program appears to play a crucial role in reducing the dependence on visual cues for postural control, highlighting its potential significance in the management of vestibular disorders.

This study provides valuable insights into the rehabilitation of patients following acute vestibular disturbances, emphasizing the importance of structured exercise interventions in facilitating recovery and improving outcomes in this patient population.

Reference: Teggi, R., Caldirola, D., Fabiano, B., Recanati, P., & Bussi, M. (2009). Rehabilitation after acute vestibular disorders. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 123(4), 397-402.