Vestibular DysfunctionNCT07587554
Effects of Wiifit vs Conventional Vestibular Rehabilitation on Dizziness and Balance in Patients With Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction
A study testing Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy and Wiifit Vestibular Training in people with Vestibular Dysfunction and Vestibular Diseases, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction (UPVD) causes dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, and reduced quality of life. Conventional Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (cVRT) is effective, while WiiFit-based virtual reality training may further enhance motivation and neuroplasticity. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Vestibular Dysfunction, Vestibular Diseases, Vertigo
- What is being tested?
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy and Wiifit Vestibular Training
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 18 Nov 2025to 29 Apr 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18-65 years
- Diagnosed with UPVD (confirmed via Positive Head Thrust Test)
- Experiencing persistent dizziness or imbalance for >4 weeks after acute onset
- Able to stand and walk independently
- VSS total score >12
Who cannot join
- Central vestibular disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis)
- Active BPPV (confirmed by Dix-Hallpike Test)
- Severe visual or MSK impairments affecting balance
- History of epileptic seizures or motion sickness triggered by video games
- Participation in other vestibular rehab programs during study period -- Diagnosed with severe cervical spine disease
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, 44000
About this study
Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction (UPVD) causes dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, and reduced quality of life.
Conventional Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (cVRT) is effective, while WiiFit-based virtual reality training may further enhance motivation and neuroplasticity.
Read more
This study aims to compare WiiFit-based training with conventional rehabilitation in improving balance and reducing dizziness in UPVD patients.
A randomized controlled trial will include participants aged 18-65 meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Participants will be randomly divided into two groups: Group A receiving conventional therapy (40 minutes, 3 sessions/week) and Group B receiving WiiFit-based exercises for 4 weeks.
Outcomes will be assessed using DHI, Mini-BESTest, and VADL before and after intervention.
Read the detailed description
Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction (UPVD) is a common vestibular disorder resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, and postural instability.
These symptoms significantly affect patients' daily functioning and quality of life. Conventional Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (cVRT), including gaze stabilization, balance training, and habituation exercises, has proven effective in reducing dizziness and improving balance.
However, newer approaches like virtual reality-based rehabilitation using WiiFit offer interactive, task-oriented, and engaging exercises that may enhance motivation and neuroplasticity, potentially leading to better outcomes.This study aims to compare the effectiveness of WiiFit-based vestibular training and conventional vestibular rehabilitation in improving balance and reducing dizziness in patients with UPVD.
The objective is to determine whether the addition of a virtual reality component can yield superior clinical outcomes compared to traditional therapy.
A randomized controlled trial will be conducted on participants diagnosed with UPVD selected through purposive sampling.
Participants aged 18-65 years, confirmed positive on the Head Thrust Test, experiencing persistent dizziness or imbalance for more than four weeks, able to walk independently, and scoring above 12 on the Vertigo Symptom Scale will be included.
Individuals with central vestibular disorders, active BPPV, severe visual or musculoskeletal impairments, seizure history, current participation in other vestibular rehabilitation programs, or severe cervical spine disease will be excluded.
Eligible participants will be randomly assigned into two equal groups using a computer-generated sequence.
Group A will receive conventional vestibular rehabilitation that includes exercises like foam surface standing, VORx1 and 2 training, tandem walking, side shuffles each for a session of 40 mins with a total of 3 sessions per week.
Group B will receive WiiFit-based vestibular rehabilitation exercises like ski salom, soccer heading, table tilt, penguin slide, obstacle course using the Nintendo WiiFit balance board for 4 weeks.
Outcome measures, including the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Mini-BESTest, and Vestibular Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL), will be assessed pre- and post-intervention to evaluate changes in dizziness and functional balance.
- Conditions
- Vestibular Dysfunction, Vestibular Diseases, Vertigo, Dizziness, Balance, Exercise Therapy
- Being tested
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, Wiifit Vestibular Training
- Keywords
- Vestibular rehabilitation, Wii Fit, Balance training, Dizziness, Unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction, Vestibular disorders, Postural balance, Balance impairment, Virtual reality rehabilitation, Rehabilitation therapy
- Medical subject headings
- Vestibular Diseases, Vertigo, Dizziness
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Vestibular Rehabilitation TherapyProcedure or surgery
Participants in the control group will undergo standard vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which includes gaze stabilization, habituation, and balance retraining activities. The program will consist of three sessions weekly, spanning four consecutive weeks, with each session lasting around 30 to 40 minutes. Exercises will start in a sitting posture and gradually move to standing and dynamic balancing activities, customized to the patient's tolerance and safety. To mitigate danger, sessions will occur in a peaceful, organized environment with supportive aids (e.g. chair or wall) accessible. Safety standards will encompass a pre-session fall risk assessment and therapist oversight, while any adverse events will be recorded and addressed under physician consultation.
Wiifit Vestibular TrainingProcedure or surgery
Participants in the experimental group will engage in vestibular training via the Wii Fit on the Nintendo Wii balancing platform. Sessions will include interactive balancing activities aimed at challenging postural control, coordination, and visual-vestibular integration. Training will consist of three sessions each week over four weeks, with each session lasting about 30 minutes, progressively increasing from fundamental to more intricate activities based on participant performance and safety considerations. Real-time feedback from the Wii system will be utilized to improve motivation, adherence, and task engagement. Safety measures will encompass therapist oversight at all times, the prevention of abrupt head movements or visual distractions during initial phases, and the delivery of both written and vocal directives to avert falls.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy | Active comparator | Participants in the control group will undergo standard vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which includes gaze stabilization, habituation, and balance retraining activities.
The program will consist of three sessions weekly, spanning four consecutive weeks, with each session lasting around 30 to 40 minutes.
Exercises will start in a sitting posture and gradually move to standing and dynamic balancing activities, customized to the patient's tolerance and safety.
Following exercises will be administered:
Week 1:
1. Romberg (EO → EC)
2. Foam surface standing (eyes open)
3. VOR x1 (seated) 3 sets/ 10 reps
Week 2:
1. Standing VOR x1
2. Tandem walking
3. Walking with head turns 3 sets/10 reps
Week 3:
1. Side shuffle with head turns
2. Ball Toss with Head Turns
3. Bowling with ball 3 sets/10 reps
Week 4:
1. Multi-directional stepping
2. TUG with Head Turns
3. VOR x1/x2 While Walking
4. Dual-task walking 3 sets/10 reps Receives: Procedure: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy |
| Wii Fit Vestibular Training | Experimental | Participants in the experimental group will undergo vestibular training using the Wii Fit on the Nintendo Wii balance platform.
Sessions will include interactive balance tasks targeting postural control, coordination, and visual-vestibular integration.
Training will be conducted three times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes and progressively advancing from basic to more complex activities based on participant performance and safety.
Real-time feedback from the Wii system will be used to enhance motivation, adherence, and engagement.
Week 1 will include Table Tilt (basic) and Soccer Heading (10 min each with 5 min warm-up and 5 min cool-down).
Week 2 will include Balance Bubble, Bowling, and Ski Slalom (slow), 10 min each with warm-up and cool-down.
Week 3 will include Obstacle Course (basic), Table Tilt (advanced), and Penguin Slide, 10 min each.
Week 4 will involve a combination of all games, 5 min each with 2-3 min rest intervals. Receives: Procedure: Wiifit Vestibular Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Perceived effects of dizziness
Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a 25-item self-administered questionnaire intended to assess the perceived effects of dizziness on an individual's everyday activities. Values vary from 0 (no handicap) to 100 (highest handicap), with increasing values signifying more incapacity interpretation: 16-34- mild impairment 36-52- moderate impairment 52+ - severe impairment
Measured: 4 weeks
Dynamic Balance
The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) is a performance-based instrument designed to evaluate dynamic balance. The assessment comprises 14 items rated on a 3-point scale (0 = severe impairment to 2 = normal), yielding a maximum total score of 28.
interpretation: 28- normal 20-22- minor balance impairment Below 20- significant fall risk
Measured: 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
disability in adults with vestibular dysfunction
The Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) 1-2 = independent (normal) 3-5= independent with difficulty (mild) 6-8= dependent on others( moderate) 8-10= unable to participate in activity (severe)
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 May 2026
- Study start18 Nov 2025
- Primary completion29 Apr 2026
- Study completion29 Apr 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Vestibular DysfunctionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Foundation University IslamabadThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07587554
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/FUCP/CTR/Neuro/Wania
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 8 May 2026
- Last updated
- 14 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Wiifit vs Conventional Vestibular Rehabilitation on Dizziness and Balance in Patients With Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07587554
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/FUCP/CTR/Neuro/Wania
- Conditions
- Vestibular Dysfunction, Vestibular Diseases, Vertigo, Dizziness, Balance, Exercise Therapy
- Keywords
- Vestibular rehabilitation, Wii Fit, Balance training, Dizziness, Unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction, Vestibular disorders, Postural balance, Balance impairment
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 18 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 29 Apr 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction (UPVD) causes dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, and reduced quality of life.
Conventional Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (cVRT) is effective, while WiiFit-based virtual reality training may further enhance motivation and neuroplasticity.
This study aims to compare WiiFit-based training with conventional rehabilitation in improving balance and reducing dizziness in UPVD patients.
A randomized controlled trial will include participants aged 18-65 meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Participants will be randomly divided into two groups: Group A receiving conventional therapy (40 minutes, 3 sessions/week) and Group B receiving WiiFit-based exercises for 4 weeks.
Outcomes will be assessed using DHI, Mini-BESTest, and VADL before and after intervention.
Detailed description
Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction (UPVD) is a common vestibular disorder resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, and postural instability.
These symptoms significantly affect patients' daily functioning and quality of life. Conventional Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (cVRT), including gaze stabilization, balance training, and habituation exercises, has proven effective in reducing dizziness and improving balance.
However, newer approaches like virtual reality-based rehabilitation using WiiFit offer interactive, task-oriented, and engaging exercises that may enhance motivation and neuroplasticity, potentially leading to better outcomes.This study aims to compare the effectiveness of WiiFit-based vestibular training and conventional vestibular rehabilitation in improving balance and reducing dizziness in patients with UPVD.
The objective is to determine whether the addition of a virtual reality component can yield superior clinical outcomes compared to traditional therapy.
A randomized controlled trial will be conducted on participants diagnosed with UPVD selected through purposive sampling.
Participants aged 18-65 years, confirmed positive on the Head Thrust Test, experiencing persistent dizziness or imbalance for more than four weeks, able to walk independently, and scoring above 12 on the Vertigo Symptom Scale will be included.
Individuals with central vestibular disorders, active BPPV, severe visual or musculoskeletal impairments, seizure history, current participation in other vestibular rehabilitation programs, or severe cervical spine disease will be excluded.
Eligible participants will be randomly assigned into two equal groups using a computer-generated sequence.
Group A will receive conventional vestibular rehabilitation that includes exercises like foam surface standing, VORx1 and 2 training, tandem walking, side shuffles each for a session of 40 mins with a total of 3 sessions per week.
Group B will receive WiiFit-based vestibular rehabilitation exercises like ski salom, soccer heading, table tilt, penguin slide, obstacle course using the Nintendo WiiFit balance board for 4 weeks.
Outcome measures, including the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Mini-BESTest, and Vestibular Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL), will be assessed pre- and post-intervention to evaluate changes in dizziness and functional balance.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy | Active comparator | Procedure: Vestibular Rehabilitation TherapyParticipants in the control group will undergo standard vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which includes gaze stabilization, habituation, and balance retraining activities. The program will consist of three sessions weekly, spanning four consecutive weeks, with each session lasting around 30 to 40 minutes. Exercises will start in a sitting posture and gradually move to standing and dynamic balancing activities, customized to the patient's tolerance and safety. Following exercises will be administered: Week 1: 1. Romberg (EO → EC) 2. Foam surface standing (eyes open) 3. VOR x1 (seated) 3 sets/ 10 reps Week 2: 1. Standing VOR x1 2. Tandem walking 3. Walking with head turns 3 sets/10 reps Week 3: 1. Side shuffle with head turns 2. Ball Toss with Head Turns 3. Bowling with ball 3 sets/10 reps Week 4: 1. Multi-directional stepping 2. TUG with Head Turns 3. VOR x1/x2 While Walking 4. Dual-task walking 3 sets/10 reps |
| Wii Fit Vestibular Training | Experimental | Procedure: Wiifit Vestibular TrainingParticipants in the experimental group will undergo vestibular training using the Wii Fit on the Nintendo Wii balance platform. Sessions will include interactive balance tasks targeting postural control, coordination, and visual-vestibular integration. Training will be conducted three times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes and progressively advancing from basic to more complex activities based on participant performance and safety. Real-time feedback from the Wii system will be used to enhance motivation, adherence, and engagement. Week 1 will include Table Tilt (basic) and Soccer Heading (10 min each with 5 min warm-up and 5 min cool-down). Week 2 will include Balance Bubble, Bowling, and Ski Slalom (slow), 10 min each with warm-up and cool-down. Week 3 will include Obstacle Course (basic), Table Tilt (advanced), and Penguin Slide, 10 min each. Week 4 will involve a combination of all games, 5 min each with 2-3 min rest intervals. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Adults aged 18-65 years
- Diagnosed with UPVD (confirmed via Positive Head Thrust Test)
- Experiencing persistent dizziness or imbalance for >4 weeks after acute onset
- Able to stand and walk independently
- VSS total score >12
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Central vestibular disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis)
- Active BPPV (confirmed by Dix-Hallpike Test)
- Severe visual or MSK impairments affecting balance
- History of epileptic seizures or motion sickness triggered by video games
- Participation in other vestibular rehab programs during study period -- Diagnosed with severe cervical spine disease
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Vestibular Rehabilitation TherapyParticipants in the control group will undergo standard vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which includes gaze stabilization, habituation, and balance retraining activities. The program will consist of three sessions weekly, spanning four consecutive weeks, with each session lasting around 30 to 40 minutes. Exercises will start in a sitting posture and gradually move to standing and dynamic balancing activities, customized to the patient's tolerance and safety. To mitigate danger, sessions will occur in a peaceful, organized environment with supportive aids (e.g. chair or wall) accessible. Safety standards will encompass a pre-session fall risk assessment and therapist oversight, while any adverse events will be recorded and addressed under physician consultation. | Procedure or surgery | Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy |
| Wiifit Vestibular TrainingParticipants in the experimental group will engage in vestibular training via the Wii Fit on the Nintendo Wii balancing platform. Sessions will include interactive balancing activities aimed at challenging postural control, coordination, and visual-vestibular integration. Training will consist of three sessions each week over four weeks, with each session lasting about 30 minutes, progressively increasing from fundamental to more intricate activities based on participant performance and safety considerations. Real-time feedback from the Wii system will be utilized to improve motivation, adherence, and task engagement. Safety measures will encompass therapist oversight at all times, the prevention of abrupt head movements or visual distractions during initial phases, and the delivery of both written and vocal directives to avert falls. | Procedure or surgery | Wii Fit Vestibular Training |
Primary outcome
Perceived effects of dizziness
Time frame: 4 weeks
Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a 25-item self-administered questionnaire intended to assess the perceived effects of dizziness on an individual's everyday activities. Values vary from 0 (no handicap) to 100 (highest handicap), with increasing values signifying more incapacity interpretation: 16-34- mild impairment 36-52- moderate impairment 52+ - severe impairment
Dynamic Balance
Time frame: 4 weeks
The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) is a performance-based instrument designed to evaluate dynamic balance. The assessment comprises 14 items rated on a 3-point scale (0 = severe impairment to 2 = normal), yielding a maximum total score of 28. interpretation: 28- normal 20-22- minor balance impairment Below 20- significant fall risk
1 secondary outcome
disability in adults with vestibular dysfunction
Time frame: 4 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 May 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy and Wiifit Vestibular Training in people with Vestibular Dysfunction and Vestibular Diseases, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Perceived effects of dizziness (time frame: 4 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 May 2026.