Short-term effects of the traction-manipulation protocol in dizziness intensity and disability in cervicogenic dizziness: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose: Analyse the short-term effects of traction-manipulation protocol in dizziness and pain intensity and disability, cervical mobility and postural instability. Materials and methods: Randomized controlled assessor-blind clinical trial. The traction-manipulation protocol was carried out in the intervention group and compared with a control group where the subjects were kept supine. The intervention protocol follows the IFOMPT safety recommendations. Dizziness and pain intensity, Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), cervical mobility and balance were measured after 48 h and a one-month follow-up. Results: Forty subjects with cervicogenic dizziness were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. Significant differences were found in favour of the intervention protocol group in: dizziness intensity (p < 0.001; d = 1.31), DHI (p < 0.001; d = 0.76) pain intensity (p < 0.007; d = 0.92), upper cervical flexion (p < 0.032; d = 0.30) and extension (p < 0.012; d = 0.80) at 48 h follow up. At one-month follow up there were significant differences in favour of the intervention group in: dizziness intensity (p < 0.001; d = 0.95), DHI (p < 0.001; d = 0.0.92) pain intensity (p < 0.001; d = 1.38) and upper cervical extension (p < 0.005; d = 0.92). Postural instability improved in mediolateral displacement static with eyes closed (p < 0.032; d = 0.79) and in dynamic with eyes open (p = 0.003; d = 0.55) at one-month follow-up in the intervention group. Conclusion: The traction-manipulation protocol reduces the dizziness and pain intensity, ameliorates disability and improves upper cervical mobility and postural instability. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The intervention protocol reduces the dizziness and pain intensity, and improves self-perceived disability in patients with cervicogenic dizziness. Manual therapy improves the cervical range of motion and the postural instability in the cervicogenic dizziness. The intervention protocol follows the safety recommendations of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists.