Vestibular Balance Therapy for Vestibular Disorders
(VBT-C Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a home-based balance therapy for children with hearing loss and balance issues. The program involves specific exercises done at home with regular therapist check-ins. It aims to see if the therapy is practical and beneficial for improving balance and coordination.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
How is Vestibular Balance Therapy different from other treatments for vestibular disorders?
Vestibular Balance Therapy is unique because it focuses on specialized exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness by retraining the brain to compensate for inner ear deficits, unlike other treatments that may rely more on medication or surgery. This therapy emphasizes exercises that target both the vestibulo-ocular (eye movement) and vestibulospinal (balance and posture) pathways, making it a comprehensive approach to managing vestibular disorders.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of Vestibular Balance Therapy for Vestibular Disorders?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jennifer B Christy, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children aged 6-12 with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) who can commit, along with their caregiver, to an 8-week home-based vestibular balance therapy program. They must have had a vision test within the last year or be willing to undergo one. Children with other neurological conditions, poor reading or picture identification skills, current vestibular therapy, or uncorrected vision issues are not eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Testing
Participants undergo a comprehensive battery of vestibular function and balance tests
Treatment
Participants engage in an 8-week home-based vestibular balance therapy program with weekly in-person checks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Sham Intervention
- Vestibular Balance Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead Sponsor
Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
Collaborator
Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
Collaborator