Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/44529
Title: Exploring App-Based Physiotherapy for Somatic Tinnitus: Results from a Pilot Study, Journal of Clinical Medicine
Authors: MICHIELS, Sarah 
Wölflick, Stella
Simoes, Jorge Piano
Schlee, Winfried
Issue Date: 2024
Abstract: Background: Somatic tinnitus (ST) is a type of tinnitus that is influenced by changes in somatosensory input from the cervical spine or temporomandibular area. Although traditional physiotherapy has been shown to reduce ST symptoms, in-clinic treatment is not always available, and adherence to home exercise programs is often low. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of an app-based physiotherapy program to enhance compliance and availability of treatment for ST patients. Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial included 38 adult patients with chronic somatic tinnitus. Participants were randomly assigned to a treatment group receiving a 9-week app-based cervical spine exercise program or a control group. The primary outcome was tinnitus distress measured using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). As a secondary outcome we the Mini-Tinnitus Questionnaire (Mini-TQ). Results: Participants in the treatment group showed significant reductions in tinnitus distress, with a large effect size for both the THI and Mini-TQ (Cohen's d = 1.71 and 1.02, respectively). The control group showed no significant changes. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that an app-based physiotherapy intervention is a feasible and effective treatment for ST. Further research with larger sample sizes, comparisons to traditional in-clinic treatments is needed to confirm these findings. Additional studies on personalized treatment might further improve the treatment.
Keywords: tinnitus;somatic tinnitus;physical therapy;smartphone applications
Document URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/44529
DOI: 10.20944/preprints202410.0007.v1
Category: O
Type: Preprint
Appears in Collections:Research publications

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