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Psychology

Research project: Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of an Online Dizziness Intervention for Older adults

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Dizziness affects more than one in five adults over the age of 60, and can lead to a reduced quality of life, anxiety and emotional distress, loss of fitness, lack of confidence in balance, unsteadiness and an increased risk of falling. This project is developing and evaluating the effectiveness a web-based intervention for adults aged 50+ who suffer from dizziness. It also aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the intervention for primary care.

Trials have shown that chronic dizziness can be treated effectively in primary care using a self-help booklet to teach patients vestibular rehabilitation (VR) exercises that promote neurological adaptation and skill and confidence in balance.

The delivery of VR remains severely limited. VR booklets, where exercises are described and instructions provided, have been shown to effectively reduce dizziness in a number of primary care trials. Translating VR materials into an internet intervention allows videos of exercises, progress related feedback and interactive information and support.

The primary aim of this project is to develop an internet-based VR intervention specifically targeting older adults, to evaluate the efficacy of this intervention, and to calculate the costs of treatment in each arm.

Duration: 2012-2015

Funded: The Dunhill Medical Trust. R222/1111

Related research groups

Centre for Clinical and Community Applications of Health Psychology (CCCAHP)
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