Different outcome measures and domains of functioning: 18 months follow-up of persons with dizziness. (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tamber, Anne-Lise; Bruusgaard, Kari A.; Bruusgaard, Dag
• Is Part Of: European journal of physiotherapy. Volume 16:Number 2(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 103
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Therapeutics, Physiological -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; 615.8205
• DOI: 10.3109/21679169.2014.886721
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2167-9169

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Aims:</italic> To explore changes in different outcome measures in a follow-up of persons with dizziness, and to investigate if these changes indicate different domains of functioning. <italic>Methodology:</italic> Sixty-eight persons with dizziness, mean age of 47 years, were included in an 18-month follow-up. Outcome measures used: the Vertigo Symptom Scale, Patient Specific Functional Scale, Disability Scale, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, and tests of Dynamic Visual Acuity, Single Leg Stance, and Walking Speeds. <italic>Major findings:</italic> We found significant improvements in impairments indicated by outcome measures of dizziness and visual acuity, and in activity and participation indicated by outcome measures of standing balance, patient-specific activities, disability and quality of life. Similar patterns of change were also found in subgroup analyses, except in gender. Correlations between change-scores were in the range <italic>r = </italic>0–0.6. Significant correlations were found between change scores indicating body function and activity/participation (0.3 ≤ <italic>r</italic> ≥ 5). We found no correlations between self-report measures and tests. <italic>Conclusion:</italic> Comprehensive use of outcome measures addressing body function, activity and participation appear to provide information of changes in different domains of functioning. To enable broad and meaningful follow-up of patients with long-lasting dizziness, generic and condition-specific measures, self-reports and tests in different domains of functioning should be further explored.</p> </abstract>