The effect of the Epley maneuver on balance and falls in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Yilmaz T., BARAN E., Dundar M. A.

EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00405-025-09572-w
  • Journal Name: EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the Epley maneuver on balance values and fall risk in patients with posterior canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), as assessed by computerized dynamic posturography (CDP). Methods The study encompassed a total of 18 patients who were diagnosed with posterior canal BPPV. Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Fall Test were administered using CDP both before and after the Epley maneuver. Results The antero-posterior and medio-lateral somatosensory, visual, and vestibular SOT values of the participants exhibited a significant increase following the application of the Epley maneuver in comparison to the values recorded prior to the intervention (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively; p = 0.022, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Statistically significant differences were identified between the fall test results of the participants before and after Epley maneuver application (p < 0.05). Conclusion According to our results, the efficacy of the Epley maneuver in individuals with posterior canal BPPV was demonstrated with CDP, an objective testing method. Given the high risk of falls in this patient population, prompt treatment is strongly recommended.