Effects of Epley procedure on BPPV patients: a systematic review of randomized controlled trails

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study is to assess the effects of the Epley maneuver on patients with BPPV.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

International libraries such as MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and PubMed, among others, were used to evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of Epley's procedure on BPPV published between January 2000 and December 2022. For accessing the articles, several search phrases, such as "Epley Maneuver", "BPPV", "Vertigo", "Vestibular Rehabilitation", and "Physical Therapy" were utilized. A total of 69 papers were retrieved and assessed for inclusion and exclusion criteria based on the article title, abstract, and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following that, the quality of the chosen studies was assessed using the PEDro scale.

RESULTS

Only seven studies fulfilled the eligibility criterion and were evaluated out of a potential 69 records found. A total of 413 BPPV-screened individuals were examined. The findings of the studies chosen for review revealed that Epley's technique had a considerable, significantly positive influence on the alleviation of symptoms for BPPV patients, including nystagmus, dizziness, and quality of life. The patients described feeling better after performing the Epley maneuver for a prolonged time.

CONCLUSIONS

The research ended with data confirming the benefit of the Epley maneuver in relieving symptoms in BPPV patients.

The association between kinesiophobia and dynamic balance in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between Kinesiophobia and dynamic balance in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty subjects with PFPS [20 Low Kinesiophobia (LK), 20 High Kinesiophobia (HK)], and 20 pain-free subjects (control group) were enrolled in the study. All subjects performed a Y-balance test to measure the dynamic balance. Normalized reach distance and balance parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that patients with PFPS who have a greater Kinesiophobia showed a poorer dynamic balance. In addition, the HK group showed a significantly lower mean reach distance score in the anterior, posterolateral, and posteromedial directions compared to LK and healthy groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing the psychological factors such as Kinesiophobia during examination and treatment of people with PFPS may be important to improve the dynamic balance.