Impact of an intensive, multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on postural control and disability in persistent postural perceptual dizziness patients. A retrospective study.

Abstract

Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a functional neurologic disorder requiring a multidisciplinary approach combining education, vestibular and physical rehabilitation, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and relaxation. Coordinating such interventions in outpatient care is challenging. This study evaluated whether a short, intensive inpatient rehabilitation program could improve postural control, mobility, and disability in PPPD. We retrospectively analyzed data from twenty patients who completed a four-week program. Postural control was assessed using the MiniBESTest and a sensory organization test, mobility with the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and disability with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Fourteen women and six men (29-76 years) completed the program. Significant improvements were observed in balance (MiniBESTest: β = 5.46, 95% CI [3.22, 7.70], <i>p</i> < .001), perceived disability (DHI: β = -18.15, 95% CI [-24.49, -11.81], <i>p</i> < .001), and walking distance (6MWT: β = 129.31 m, 95% CI [82.43, 176.2], <i>p</i> < .001). Posturographic outcomes also improved with moderate to large effect sizes. Age showed small negative associations with some balance measures, while male gender was linked to higher MiniBESTest and selected posturographic scores. An intensive four-week multidisciplinary program can rapidly improve postural control, mobility, and perceived dizziness in PPPD.