An interactive website developed by health psychology and primary care researchers at the University has been shown to reduce dizziness amongst adults aged 50 and above.
Results of a study into the effectiveness of the new Balance Retraining site show patients had significantly lower levels of dizziness symptoms after three and six months than those accessing standard care from their GP. After three months, 40 per cent of people using the site reported that they felt ‘much better’ or ‘completely well’ – twice as many as in the GP care group.
Dizziness affects nearly one in three people aged over 65 in the UK and is often caused by problems with the vestibular (balance) organ in the inner ear. The recommended treatment is a simple exercise-based therapy which involves nodding and shaking the head. However, very few people who report dizziness to their doctor are referred for this type of treatment, so there is a real need to improve access.
Researchers at the University developed Balance Retraining to address this problem and help people with dizziness to carry out vestibular rehabilitation exercises via the Web – using video demonstrations, instructions and personalised feedback and advice.
Dr Adam Geraghty, a research psychologist at the University said:
Users were very positive about their experiences. They found it easy to use, visually appealing and encouraging. Overall, the results show that Balance Retraining is an effective and appealing method of delivering vestibular rehabilitation to those who need it. They also add to existing evidence that this is a safe and effective means of treating vestibular-related dizziness.
Balance Retraining is now available for the public to use free of charge. Alternatively, it can be accessed via The Meniere’s Society website or the Vestibular Disorders Association’s website.
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