Comparative Effects of Gaze Stability Exercises and Optokinetic Exercises on Dizziness, Balance, and Kinesiophobia in Patients with Vestibular Hypofunction

Abstract

Background: Vestibular hypofunction is a disorder of the vestibular system characterized by dizziness, oscillopsia, imbalance, and impaired postural control, which negatively affect daily activities and may lead to fear of movement and reduced quality of life. Rehabilitation interventions such as gaze stability exercises (GSE) and optokinetic exercises (OKE) promote central vestibular compensation and functional recovery. Objective: To compare the effects of GSE and OKE on dizziness, balance, and kinesiophobia in patients with vestibular hypofunction. Methods: Forty adults aged 23–63 years with clinically diagnosed unilateral vestibular hypofunction were recruited from the physiotherapy department of the Center of Advanced Studies in Health & Technology Clinic, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Participants were randomly assigned to Group 1 (GSE + routine physiotherapy) or Group 2 (OKE + routine physiotherapy), with interventions delivered five sessions per week for four weeks. Eligibility included dizziness provoked by head or body movements; exclusions were neurological or psychological disorders, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, prior vestibular surgery, or conditions affecting balance. Outcomes were measured using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests (p < 0.05). Results: Both groups improved significantly in dizziness and balance. GSE showed greater dizziness reduction (p < 0.05), whereas OKE produced greater balance improvement. Changes in kinesiophobia were similar between groups. Conclusion: Both GSE and OKE effectively improve symptoms in vestibular hypofunction. GSE is superior for dizziness, OKE enhances balance, and both reduce kinesiophobia, supporting integrated rehabilitation approaches.