Swedish Study Finds Mobile App Equally Effective for Vestibular Rehabilitation

Nearly 50,000 people in Sweden seek emergency care annually due to dizziness, a condition often treatable with vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Recent research from Umeå University and Region Västerbotten has demonstrated that a mobile app called 'YrselTräning' is as effective as traditional written instructions for vestibular rehabilitation in people with acute dizziness. The study, involving 183 participants, compared outcomes between those who used the app and those who relied on written guidance, finding similar improvements after six weeks.

Acute dizziness accounts for about 3% of all emergency visits, and while many cases are benign, they can significantly reduce quality of life and work ability, generating considerable healthcare costs. The 'YrselTräning' app guides users through head and eye movement exercises aimed at speeding recovery. According to Jonatan Salzer, research leader, written instructions remain easily accessible and effective for anyone seeking to improve dizziness regardless of its cause.

The app is currently undergoing evaluation as part of an international project and is anticipated to be available for public use later this year. Postdoctoral researcher Solmaz Surano emphasized the equivalence of both methods, highlighting the importance of proper training and sufficient exercise frequency for recovery. The study was published in PLOS ONE under the title 'Internet-based vestibular rehabilitation versus written instructions after acute vertigo: A randomised controlled trial.'