Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common functional vestibular disorder. Vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy (VBRT) is recommended, but access to adjunctive therapies that support self-management remains limited. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and preliminary clinical effects of home-based virtual reality (HB-VR) as an adjunct to individualized VBRT in adults with PPPD.
Findings are preliminary (pilot feasibility only); no actionable change to PPPD rehabilitation protocols is warranted until a fully powered efficacy trial is completed.
VR-augmented vestibular rehabilitation delivered at home could improve access to care for PPPD patients who face barriers to clinic-based therapy, but efficacy remains unproven.
- 01Pilot feasibility trial — not powered to detect efficacy differences.
- 02Targets PPPD, a common chronic functional dizziness disorder with limited evidence-based treatments.
- 03VR-augmented VBRT was delivered in the home setting, assessing practicality and safety.
- 04Published in Journal of Psychosomatic Research (2026).
- 05Results will inform design of a larger, adequately powered RCT.
Home-based VR-augmented vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy is feasible for patients with PPPD.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42456315
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2026.112921.
- Journal
- Journal of Psychosomatic Research
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 2b
- Population
- Adults with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD)
- Intervention
- Home-based virtual reality–augmented vestibular balance rehabilitation therapy (VBRT)
Primary outcomes
Feasibility of home-based VR-augmented VBRT; Safety and tolerability