The prevalence of BPPV in a residential care centre and the effectiveness and impact of treatment

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the first part of this study was to determine the prevalence of BPPV in a residential care centre and the impact on dizziness, fall risk, fear of falling, balance, depression, cognition, age and medication. The second part was developed to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of treatment. Methods: The residents were divided into two groups: the BPPV and non-BPPV group. Their results on questionnaires and tests were compared. The participants, who were treated for BPPV, completed a pre- and post-test. Measurements: Vestibular diagnostic tests (Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre, side-lying test, supine roll test) were performed first. The following questionnaires and balance tests were evaluated after: DHI, GDS-15, MMSE, mFES-I, 4TBS, TUG, 360° turn, sway, and 10MWT. For treatment, the Epley manoeuvre, the Barbecue roll manoeuvre or Brandt-Daroff exercises were used. Results: Part I ' a prevalence of 17% was found among older adults in a residential care centre. Statistically significant differences were found between groups for the DHI, GDS-15 and number of fall incidents. Part II ' significant improvements after treatment were found in only two parameters of the sway.