The Role of Biofeedback in Improving Vertigo Management in Older Adults. A Controlled Clinical Study in Italy

Introduction

Vertigo significantly impacts the psychosocial functioning in older persons, limiting their ability to carry out daily activities. In older adults, the effects of vertigo are even more severe than in younger populations, as it negatively impacts gait and balance, increasing the risk of falls. This, in turn, has a profound effect on their independence and overall quality of life. Despite the importance of providing integrated treatment, only a few psychological interventions have been proposed for older people. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of biofeedback in decreasing the emotional, functional, and physical effects of vertigo in a sample of 190 older outpatients over a 3-month follow-up period.