Current practice of stroke rehabilitation physiotherapists in vestibular hypofunction

Abstract

Background: Dizziness and the resultant increased risk of falls have been confirmed in 70% of stroke survivors. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) has been discovered to facilitate balance and gait recovery post-stroke. However, are physiotherapists aware of vestibular rehabilitation therapy? And what are the current vestibular rehabilitation modalities employed by physiotherapists in poorly-resourced areas?
Aim: To determine current practice and knowledge of stroke rehabilitation physiotherapists in the treatment of vestibular hypofunction.
Setting: The study was conducted in the North West province of South Africa, across 17 public-sector hospitals which included district, regional and tertiary-level hospitals providing stroke rehabilitation services.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey completed within 24 weeks was employed. Participants were recruited through their departmental heads. Likert-type questionnaires were distributed via email and WhatsApp professional groups.
Results: Of the 26 respondents, 81% were female and 89% had < 9 years’ experience. Nearly all (96%) held Bachelor’s degrees; none had formal VRT training or used standardised protocols. Fifteen (58%) reported encountering vestibular hypofunction in stroke patients.
Conclusion: Despite managing stroke survivors with vestibular hypofunction, physiotherapists do not employ VRT.
Contribution: The findings of this study are expected to address knowledge gaps, improve clinical practice, promote more equitable access to evidence-based interventions for stroke survivors, as well as enhance awareness and uptake of VRT in post-stroke care among physiotherapists, particularly in poorly-resourced settings. Integrating VRT into undergraduate curricula and professional development could enhance outcomes in vestibular hypofunction post-stroke.