Physical Therapy significantly Reduces risk of Falls Among Adults with Dizziness

For the millions of adults grappling with dizziness, a ray of hope has emerged. A recent study has revealed that physical therapy (PT) can significantly lower the risk of falls in individuals experiencing dizziness. This groundbreaking discovery could have a profound impact on the lives of those affected. 

The study results were published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery on September 14, 2023. 

Dizziness is a pervasive problem that can profoundly affect a person's daily life, often leading to dangerous falls. To address this pressing issue, a comprehensive study was conducted, delving into a decade of data from US commercial insurance and Medicare Advantage claims, spanning from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015. The study carried out between October 1, 2021, and February 1, 2023, aimed to investigate the correlation between PT and falls necessitating medical attention within a year of a dizziness-related clinical evaluation. 

A staggering 805,454 patients aged 18 and above, all of whom received a fresh diagnosis of symptomatic dizziness or vestibular disorders, were included in this extensive research. The primary objective was to assess how PT could impact fall risk, with secondary goals focused on identifying the factors associated with falls requiring medical care and the determinants of PT utilization following a dizziness diagnosis. 

Among the vast pool of 805,454 patients analyzed, 45,771 (6%) opted for PT within three months of their dizziness-related clinical evaluation. Over the subsequent 12 months, a significant 60,060 patients (7%) experienced a fall that necessitated medical attention.

Study insights: 

• Females were less likely to seek PT, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 0.80 compared to males.
• Patients aged 50 to 59 years exhibited a reduced propensity for PT (AOR, 0.67) compared to their counterparts aged 18-39 years.
• Patients burdened with more comorbidities were less likely to avail themselves of PT (AOR, 0.71 for those with a Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] of ≥2, as opposed to those with a CCI of 0).
• Most notably, patients who received PT within three months of their presentation experienced a substantial reduction in the risk of falls over the ensuing 12 months.
• The most significant risk reduction occurred within the initial three months following PT (AOR, 0.14), in contrast to 0.18 at 6-12 months and 0.23 at 9-12 months.

This groundbreaking study results indicate that timely referral for physical therapy following a dizziness-related clinical evaluation can significantly lower the risk of falls over the subsequent year. This breakthrough has the potential to transform the lives of countless individuals affected by dizziness. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of conducting additional research, ideally in the form of clinical trials, to explore the independent impact of PT on falls in this specific patient group. These findings offer a beacon of hope for enhanced care and better outcomes for those living with dizziness, particularly in terms of fall prevention. 

Further reading: Marmor S, Karaca-Mandic P, Adams ME. Use of Physical Therapy and Subsequent Falls Among Patients With Dizziness in the US. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online September 14, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2023.2840.