The vibrotactile feedback and its utilization in vestibular rehabilitation in patients with Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring syndrome

Abstract

Background
Bilateral vestibular loss (BVL) is one of the vestibular deficiencies which severely reduce the quality of life of patients affected. The input of the somatosensory system can be significantly improved by the utilization of the vibrotactile feedback. The Syndrome of Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring (SOSAS) is one of the most frequently diagnosed sleep diseases of the 21st century, which contributes to reducing the sleep quantity and quality, thus reducing the quality of life of patients affected.
The aim of the following article is to share first experience in utilizing the vibrotactile BalanceBelt in the initial vestibular rehabilitation of patients with vestibular deficiencies, who have visited the University medical and dental center, Medical University „Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov” – Varna.
Methods
A total of 25 patients with vestibular defficiencies alone and symptoms of a possible sleep disorder, aged between 40 and 78, in the period 08.2024-01.2025, were included in the pilot study. All patients were examined by a specialist in otorhinolaryngology and sleep medicine and a physician in dental medicine. All participants had their sleep examined with a polygraphic study and their balance and vestibular capacities tested on a stabilometric platform. All signed written informed consent forms and completed sleep questionnaires, general diseases, present allergies and medications intake forms. The study received approval from Medical University – Varna Ethic committee (№99/14.01.2021).
Results and discussion
The clear male predisposition to moderate and severe forms of SOSAS is reconfirmed. Balance control was more affected in male patients with moderate and severe forms of OSA, assessing the position of the Center of Gravity on the stabilometry executed. All SOSAS patients received a 10-day course with the BalanceBelt and after it had their balance re-assessed on the stabilometmric platform. Results clearly showed an alleviation of the reduced balance maintaining capabilities in patients with SOSAS. Likewise the group of SOSAS patients, all vestibular patients received a 10-day course with the BalanceBelt. A clear alleviation of the vestibular symptomatology was shown.
Conclusions
Authors conclude that regular usage of the BalanceBelt for a month can substantially improve the vestibular defficiencies symptoms of patients with BPPV, dizziness and the vestibular comorbidity associated with SOSAS.