Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this paper is to describe our experiments with virtual reality in the treatment of people with vestibular disorders. We will share insights about virtual reality use in people with complaints of dizziness and balance loss.
Methods: Two experiments measured simulator sickness and discomfort in people with and without dizziness when viewing simulations that manipulated optic flow or required navigation and object recognition. A third experiment tested transfer of virtual environment training to self-report and balance performance measures for a group of individuals with vestibular hypofunction.
Results: People with vestibular disease had greater symptoms in optic flow and virtual environments, but not greater than that which is experienced in conventional vestibular rehabilitation. Overall, patients improved on both self-perception and objective measures of balance and postural control.
Discussion: Our next goal is to determine if virtual reality intervention is superior to results attained from the physical therapy standard of care.