EVIDENCE-BASED NURSING STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO IN ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the impact of evidence-based nursing interventions on athletes with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), assessing their effectiveness in clinical recovery and reducing recurrence rates. Methods: Two hundred athletes diagnosed with BPPV at our sports medicine clinic between June 2021 and January 2023 were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, each consisting of 100 participants. The control group received routine nursing care, whereas the observation group was treated with evidence-based nursing strategies tailored for athletic needs. We compared the effectiveness of these interventions in both groups. Results: The observation group exhibited a significantly higher total effective rate compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Initially, both groups had high Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSI) scores and low Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores and time balance test scores (P < 0.05). Post-intervention, there was a marked improvement in all parameters in both groups, with the observation group showing greater enhancements in VSI, BBS, and time balance test scores (P < 0.05). Complications were fewer in the observation group (3 cases) compared to the control group (11 cases), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). At a six-month follow-up, the recurrence rate in the observation group (3%) was significantly lower than in the control group (13%) (X2=6.793, P=0.009). Conclusion: Evidence-based nursing proves to be a highly effective intervention for managing BPPV in athletes. It not only alleviates the clinical symptoms of dizziness but also significantly enhances balance control, reduces complications, and lowers recurrence rates. Given these benefits, this approach is highly recommended for clinical adoption to support the unique needs of athletes facing BPPV.