{"id":16836,"date":"2025-10-31T09:37:59","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T08:37:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/?p=16836"},"modified":"2026-02-06T17:54:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T16:54:32","slug":"diagnostik-vor-training-neue-us-studie-zeigt-wie-objektive-vestibulartests-die-therapie-steuern-koennen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/studien-evidenz\/diagnostik-vor-training-neue-us-studie-zeigt-wie-objektive-vestibulartests-die-therapie-steuern-koennen\/","title":{"rendered":"Diagnostics before Training? New U.S. Study Shows How Objective Vestibular Tests Can Guide Therapy\nSource"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>For Healthcare Professionals:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Patients with dizziness or balance disorders are often first referred to <a href=\"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/schwindelerkrankungen\/vestibulaere-rehabilitationstherapie-und-gleichgewichtstraining\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8932\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">vestibular rehabilitation therapy<\/a> (VRT) \u2013 i.e., physiotherapy-based treatment. However, if symptoms do not improve or the diagnosis remains unclear, patients are then referred for <a href=\"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/schwindelerkrankungen\/diagnostische-tests-fuer-gleichgewichtsstoerungen-und-schwindelsymptomatik\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8955\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">objective vestibular testing<\/a> (VTB) such as videonystagmography (VNG), video head impulse testing (vHIT), or caloric testing.\nThis study examined how the order of these two approaches \u2013 \u201ctraining first or testing first?\u201d \u2013 affects treatment outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udd17 Behr E, Massa ML, Honaker JA. Clinical Pathways in Vestibular Care: Referral Trends Between Vestibular Rehabilitation and Objective Vestibular Testing.\u00a0<em>Am J Audiol<\/em>. 2025;34(3):687-694. doi:10.1044\/2025_AJA-25-00037<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40749081\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Original study<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Study design:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Setting: Tertiary\/specialized hospital in the U.S. Midwest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Design: Retrospective review of patient records<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participants: 149 adults with vestibular disorders or balance complaints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two groups:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u00a0 VRT-first \u2013 rehabilitation before diagnostic testing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0 VTB-first \u2013 diagnostic testing before rehabilitation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aim: Compare therapy session counts and diagnostic accuracy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key results<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The difference was significant:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u00a0Patients in the VTB-first group required fewer VRT sessions than those in the VRT-first group (p &lt; .05)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0Exception: No difference for BPPV (<a href=\"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/schwindelerkrankungen\/gutartiger-paroxysmaler-lagerungsschwindel\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5936\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">benign paroxysmal positional vertigo<\/a>) (p = .12)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early objective diagnostics led to more precise therapy planning and faster progress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Particularly for <a href=\"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/schwindelerkrankungen\/bilaterale-vestibulopathie\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5910\">bilateral <\/a>or central vestibular disorders, testing proved crucial for optimal outcomes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Clinical Relevance<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Early objective vestibular diagnostics (VNG, vHIT, calorics, VEMP, etc.) improve treatment efficiency and reduce unnecessary sessions \u2013 except in BPPV cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In BPPV, the cause is typically clear, and treatment is performed directly via repositioning maneuvers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Objective diagnostics enable cause-based rather than symptom-based therapy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For therapists: Clear diagnoses support targeted, evidence-based rehabilitation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For physicians: Structured referral pathways enhance care efficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Relevance for Practice in Germany<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Germany, vestibular diagnostics often remain limited to standard methods \u2013 primarily caloric testing. While useful, it provides limited insight when used in isolation. Functional or central balance deficits often go undetected.<br><br>A broader diagnostic protocol (e.g., vHIT, VNG, VEMP) and close collaboration between physicians and specialized therapists allow for much more accurate assessment. This ensures earlier, more targeted rehabilitation \u2013 without losing valuable time to incomplete diagnostics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion for Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This study highlights: Diagnosis before therapy pays off. Objective vestibular tests form the foundation for tailored rehabilitation and prevent detours caused by non-specific therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 Tip:<br>For a concise overview of key vestibular tests, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/products\/basiskurs-medizinisch-technische-untersuchungen\/\" data-type=\"sc_product\" data-id=\"10612\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IVRT\u00ae online course \u201cMedical-Technical Examinations\u201d<\/a>. Learn how to interpret VNG, vHIT, VEMP, and caloric tests safely and apply them effectively in clinical practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc49 Are you interested in a comprehensive further training in <a href=\"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/patientenedukation\/vestibulaere-rehabilitationstherapie-und-gleichgewichtstraining\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8932\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">vestibular rehabilitation<\/a> and how to optimally combine vestibular testing and rehabilitation to help dizziness patients faster and more effectively?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Current further education opportunities can be found in the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/fuer-medizinisches-fachpersonal\/fortbildungssuche\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/fuer-medizinisches-fachpersonal\/fortbildungssuche\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IVRT Course search<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Patients \u2013 Easy to Understand<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong>Understanding Dizziness: Why Testing Can Save Time<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people with dizziness start directly with <a href=\"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/schwindelerkrankungen\/vestibulaere-rehabilitationstherapie-und-gleichgewichtstraining\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8932\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">balance exercises <\/a>or physiotherapy. But a new U.S. study shows: Finding the cause first can lead to faster recovery.<br><br>\ud83d\udcc4 Behr E, Massa ML, Honaker JA. Clinical Pathways in Vestibular Care: Referral Trends Between Vestibular Rehabilitation and Objective Vestibular Testing.\u00a0<em>Am J Audiol<\/em>. 2025;34(3):687-694. doi:10.1044\/2025_AJA-25-00037<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40749081\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/40421807\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Original study<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What does the new study show?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>149 patients with dizziness were divided into two groups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Group 1 started directly with training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group 2 began with diagnostic vestibular testing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Result: Those who were tested first needed fewer therapy sessions and improved more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>What does this mean<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/schwindelerkrankungen\/diagnostische-tests-fuer-gleichgewichtsstoerungen-und-schwindelsymptomatik\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8955\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A precise examination of the vestibular system<\/a> can help identify the root cause of dizziness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This allows therapists to choose the right training for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It saves time, effort, and frustration \u2013 especially when dizziness has persisted for a while.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>What Can You Do?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ask your doctor whether further vestibular testing would be useful \u2013 one test alone (like caloric testing) often isn\u2019t enough.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IVRT\u00ae therapists specialize in identifying and treating functional balance problems \u2013 even when standard tests appear normal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>With regular, tailored exercises, balance can often be fully restored.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udfaf <strong>Our IVRT\u00ae-certified dizziness and vestibular therapists<\/strong> are specifically trained and can provide you with professional support <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/fuer-betroffene\/therapeutensuche\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IVRT therapist search<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a id=\"_msocom_1\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>F\u00fcr Fachpersonal: Patient:innen mit Schwindel oder Gleichgewichtsst\u00f6rungen werden h\u00e4ufig zun\u00e4chst zur Vestibularen Rehabilitation (VRT) \u00fcberwiesen \u2013 also zur physiotherapeutischen Behandlung. Wenn sich die Symptome jedoch nicht bessern oder die Diagnose unklar bleibt, folgt meist die \u00dcberweisung zur objektiven vestibul\u00e4ren Testung (VTB), etwa mit Videonystagmographie (VNG), Video-Kopfimpulstest (vKIT) oder Kalorik. Die Studie untersucht, wie sich die [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":16837,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_surecart_dashboard_logo_width":"180px","_surecart_dashboard_show_logo":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_orders":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_invoices":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_subscriptions":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_downloads":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_billing":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_account":true,"_jf_save_progress":"","iawp_total_views":339,"footnotes":""},"categories":[215],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16836","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studien-evidenz"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16836","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16836"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16836\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16838,"href":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16836\/revisions\/16838"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16837"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16836"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16836"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ivrt.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16836"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}