Presentation: 2025 ND EPSCoR Annual conference 

October 21, 2025, NDSU Memorial Union, Fargo, North Dakota

Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation in the Treatment of Dizziness and Balance Disturbances After Concussion

Context. Symptoms experienced after a concussion may include dizziness and balance dysfunction which interfere with many daily activities and makes concentration difficult. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) versus traditional graduated return to play (TGRTP) concussion treatment protocols on time to return to play, dizziness and balance in athletes. Participants. The study utilized a convenience sample consisting of ten athletes from an NCAA Division II University. Design. Each participant was randomly assigned to the treatment groups within three days of concussion diagnosis. Methods. Pre and post-tests consisted of completing the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT5), the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and visual and vestibular dysfunction evaluation. Results. Data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U to evaluate whether dizziness and balance symptom recovery differed by concussion treatment protocol. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in either treatment group in the time to return to play, however, the 2-tailed test showed initial visual motion sensitivity testing and initial right side Hallpike Dix testing (components of the SCAT5 and vestibular dysfunction evaluation) were significant, p<0.046. Four of the six participants in the VR group reported motion sensitivity symptoms and had a positive right Hallpike-Dix compared to none of the four in the TGRTP group. Conclusion. These two symptoms are associated with more severe dizziness and balance disturbances. More research is needed with larger sample sizes.