Prospects for the use of a vibration stimulation belt in the rehabilitation of patients with bilateral vestibulopathy syndrome

Objective. To develop a vibration stimulation belt (vibration belt) for patients with bilateral vestibulopathy syndrome and evaluate its effectiveness. Material and methods. Of the 58 patients with bilateral vestibulopathy syndrome of various etiologies diagnosed according to the criteria of the Bárány Society, 19 patients (8 men, 11 women) were included in the vibration belt clinical trial. The average age was 50.47±14.86 years. To control the effectiveness of the vibration belt, a clinical sensory integration test using computer stabilometry and a ssensory analogue scale for subjective assessment of balance were used. Results. A vibration stimulation belt with vibration motors, a control unit and software designed for the rehabilitation of patients with bilateral vestibulopathy syndrome has been developed. The belt was used by 15 (79%) patients for 8.6±1.2 hours daily. There was an improvement in balance indicators when standing with eyes closed (p<0.05). A subjective assessment on the sensory analogue scale in points showed an increase in balance by 1.44 times. Conclusion. The potential of a vibration belt as an effective auxiliary device for maintaining balance in patients with bilateral vestibulopathy syndrome, especially in conditions of limited lighting, has been demonstrated.