DOI: 10.1080/16501970600768992

Objective: To investigate whether vestibular rehabilitation for patients with whiplash-associated disorder and dizziness had any effect on balance measures and self-perceived handicap. Design: Randomized, controlled trial. Subjects: Twenty-nine patients, 20 women and 9 men, age range 22–76 years. Methods: The patients were randomized to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention comprised vestibular rehabilitation. All patients were assessed at baseline, after 6 weeks and after 3 months with 4 different balance measures and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Results: After 6 weeks, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements compared with the control group in the following measures: standing on one leg eyes open (p =0. 02), blindfolded tandem stance (p =0. 045), Dizziness Handicap Inventory total score (p =0. 047), Dizziness Handicap Inventory functional score (p =0. 005) and in Dizziness Handicap Inventory physical score (p =0. 033). After 3 months, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements compared with the control group in the following measures: standing on one leg eyes open (p =0. 000), tandem stance (p =0. 033) and Dizziness Handicap Inventory physical score (p =0. 04). Conclusion: Vestibular rehabilitation for patients with whiplash-associated disorder can decrease self-perceived handicap and increase postural control.