Effectiveness of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Hemodialysis Patients With Dizziness

Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) for hemodialysis (HD) patients with chronic dizziness. Design: A single-blind, randomized controlled study was performed. Methods: Cluster-randomized sampling was used to select the experimental group from two outpatient dialysis clinics. A total of 26 patients participated in the study. Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and falls were used as outcome measures. Data were collected at baseline (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3). Findings: Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA of DHI revealed a statistically significant group and time interaction. Dizziness handicap outcome was significantly reduced over time in the experimental group (DHI total score, T1 = 35.29, T2 = 32.86, T3 = 27.86, p =.001). Conclusions: VR exercise instructed by nurses can be effective in alleviating handicap imposed by dizziness in dialysis patients. Clinical Relevance: Nurses are encouraged to learn VR as a simple exercise to improve well-being in dialysis patients with chronic dizziness.