Chronic vestibular hypofunction (CVH), often resulting from illness or injury, is linked to sedentary behaviour, poor sleep, and comorbidities. This cross-sectional descriptive study characterized the physical, functional, physiological, and emotional profiles of adults with CVH and explored sex-related differences within this population.
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Sex-related differences in physical, functional, and emotional burden of chronic vestibular hypofunction suggest rehabilitation programs may benefit from sex-stratified assessment and goal-setting, though prospective intervention data are needed to confirm.
Recognizing sex as a biological variable in vestibular rehabilitation could improve patient-centered care and rehabilitation outcomes for a condition that is often undertreated.
- 01Cross-sectional EXERVEST study published in Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences (doi: 10.3389/fresc.2026.1890080).
- 02Characterized physical, functional, physiological, and emotional differences between male and female patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction.
- 03Findings highlight the importance of sex-stratified outcome assessment in vestibular rehab.
- 04Cross-sectional design limits causal or longitudinal conclusions.
- 05Relevant to audiologists and physiotherapists delivering vestibular rehabilitation.
Male and female adults with chronic vestibular hypofunction exhibit different physical, functional, physiological, and emotional profiles.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42719175
- DOI
- 10.3389/fresc.2026.1890080.
- Journal
- Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 3
- Population
- Adults with chronic vestibular hypofunction (both sexes)
- Intervention
- Cross-sectional characterization of physical, functional, physiological, and emotional profiles
- Comparator
- Sex-based comparison (male vs. female patients)
Primary outcomes
Physical fitness measures; Functional performance; Emotional wellbeing scores