Vestibular rehabilitation therapy in Turkey: insights into physical therapists' clinical practice.

Abstract

Introduction Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an effective physiotherapy approach for patients with vestibular hypofunction. The administration of VRT requires relevant knowledge and skills to practice effectively. Purpose To explore the knowledge, beliefs, and clinical practices regarding VRT among physical therapists in Turkey. Methods Licensed physical therapists practising as clinicians or academics in Turkey were invited through professional networks on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and Instagram to complete a Google Forms survey. Because recruitment used an open survey link that was posted and redistributed through these networks, the number of individual recipients could not be determined and a conventional response rate could not be calculated. A total of 178 eligible physical therapists completed the survey. Results Of the 178 physical therapists who completed the survey, 88.8% had no VRT experience. Only 1.2% had used Frenzel lenses/infrared goggles. Across the Epley, Semont, Gufoni, and barbecue roll maneuvers, the proportions of respondents reporting either not using the procedure or not knowing it were 87.6%, 96.1%, 97.2%, and 94.4%, respectively. More than 60% had never used or were unfamiliar with habituation, substitution, optokinetic stimulation, virtual reality, and visual exercises for the treatment of patients with vestibular disorders. Overall, 36.5% had received VRT education or training. Conclusion The identified educational and implementation gaps provide a national evidence base for strengthening competency-based vestibular rehabilitation training in undergraduate physiotherapy curricula and continuing professional development in Turkey. Addressing these gaps may improve physical therapists' readiness to deliver evidence-based vestibular care and expand access to appropriate rehabilitation services.