Patient Experiences of a Group Intervention Integrating Vestibular Rehabilitation, Body Awareness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Long-Lasting Dizziness: A Focus Group Study

Abstract

Objective Long-lasting dizziness is a distressing and disabling condition frequently accompanied by psychological and physical discomfort, and if untreated, could evolve into a complex, self-perpetuating condition challenging treatment. A treatment approach addressing psychological, physical, and social ailments in connection with long-term dizziness has been developed. The objective of this study was to explore experiences and perceptions of participants with long-lasting dizziness who have engaged in a group-based intervention approach that combines principles from vestibular rehabilitation (VR), body awareness therapy (BA), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in primary care. Methods The study is rooted in an interpretative approach. Fifteen participants, 10 women and 5 men, aged 38 to 71 years, were interviewed in 3 focus groups. Data were analyzed by systematic text condensation, a 4-step thematic cross-case strategy suitable for exploratory investigations. Results Four main themes emerged from the analyses: (1) to share and feel understood when struggling with dizziness; (2) the exercises: body perceptions and challenging one's own limits to control dizziness; (3) increased self-knowledge helps to process anxiety and challenge avoidance behavior; (4) changing habits is hard work, but necessary to recover from dizziness. Conclusions This novel group-based VR-BA-CBT treatment for individuals with long-lasting dizziness offered valuable peer support, shared learning, and learning in action providing new understanding. The VR-BA-CBT treatment includes a comprehensive and holistic approach addressing physical, psychological, and social challenges. Impact Through knowledge about dizziness triggers, participants learn new strategies to confront previously avoided activities. The approach holds promise to be implemented in primary care physical therapy settings.