Introduction

Rehabilitation of gait and balance during a vestibular rehabilitation program requires motor learning and thus practice and feedback. In conventional rehabilitation it is difficult for patients to gain feedback when performing balance exercises which can be repetitive and boring. Force plate technology has been used in the clinical setting to provide visual and auditory feedback during balance re-education and has shown some promising results. Virtual reality, defined as a high-end-computer interface that involves real time simulation and interactions through multiple sensorial channels' is also being investigated in laboratory settings. Virtual reality provides feedback and also allows a more stimulating and enriching environment than usual rehabilitation. It can measure and track exercise, and allows virtual experience of activities the patient might otherwise not attempt.

Virtual reality (VR) training that provides optic flow stimuli and visuo-vestibular conflict has been suggested as a way to treat patients with inappropriate visual dependece (sometimes called visual vertigo even though spinning sensation is often absent).Avocational activities can also be excellent for vestibular rehabilitation. In general, activities should involve using the eyes while the head and body are in motion. Of course, many avocational activities require this -- golf, bowling, tennis, racquetball, ping-pong, etc. The trick is to find one that is fun, safe, and somewhat stimulating. Just walking around the block looking from side to side may be a useful activity. Dancing is of course, an excellent vestibular rehabilitative activity.