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Vertigo Coach app

An app for people with vestibular dysfunction who have been diagnosed by a medical doctor or specialist. The exercises are not suitable for people with BPPV or Meniere’s disease.

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Vertigo Coach app	By Abbott
	Features Guided exercises. Information and education. Reminders and alerts. Contains a space to log medications (for historical reference) which might be helpful for tracking any changes in symptoms.
Country of origin	USA
Clinical review	Read a clinical review below.
Security and privacy	Does the app: Collect medical information? No Require a login? No Have password protection? No Have a privacy policy? Yes Require internet access to use? No Read more about safety and security when using apps. Brochures: Tips to improve your privacy and security [PDF, 65 KB] Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ Staying safe online(external link) Netsafe, NZ
Cost	Free
Advertisements	This app contains no ads.
How to get the app	(external link) (external link) (external link)

Vertigo Coach app guides the user through vestibular exercises, provides reminders, and gives information to support vestibular rehabilitation. The app is intended for use by people with vestibular dysfunction who have been diagnosed by a medical doctor or specialist, to guide them through exercises at home to support vestibular rehabilitation. The app states that the exercises are not suitable for those with BPPV or Meniere’s disease.

The app contains 11 exercises which start off easy and increase in difficulty. Clear instructions are given for each exercise, with useful information (eg, they make the user feel dizzy; or information on how the balance system works, safety information when someone else should be with you) and gives encouragement to continue (eg, balance improves over time with repetition), but at the user's own pace and ability.

For the complete app description, go to the app website(external link), Google Play(external link), App Store(external link) or, for a more detailed review, see reviews below.

PROS	CONS
✔ The app clearly states that its intended purpose is to support vertigo patients in line with professional healthcare advice. ✔ The app supports the doctor or specialist's recommendations for medication and exercises, and states that the exercises the user follows should be decided together with their doctor. ✔ Safety advice is provided before commencing exercises. ✔ The app has been updated/created recently, and seems to contain current information about managing vertigo. ✔ Users can set reminders for medication and exercises, with the ability to register when it's done. ✔ The music playing during exercises can be reduced or muted on your device. ✔ The app cites research articles.	✘ The video exercises have written instructions and visual examples of how to do the exercise, but does not have verbal instructions. ✘ The written instructions are in a small font and can be difficult to read. ✘ Graphs and data export would have been useful so that users can show their doctor the exercises they have completed. ✘ There's no guide on how quickly the movements should be performed, and if/how they should be modified over time. The app should state that the user’s doctor/therapist would need to advise on this and to meet for reviews to monitor progress and adjust the exercises accordingly. ✘ The exercises don't state which specific vestibular conditions they apply to. Some key vestibular exercises are missing. ✘ Some of the advice given in the article section is not considered best practice (eg, move your head carefully and slowly during daily activities; sleep with your head slightly raised). While this could be indicated in a small majority during an acute phase, most vestibular specialists would not support this recommendation long term.

PROS

CONS

✔ The app clearly states that its intended purpose is to support vertigo patients in line with professional healthcare advice.

✔ The app supports the doctor or specialist's recommendations for medication and exercises, and states that the exercises the user follows should be decided together with their doctor.

✔ Safety advice is provided before commencing exercises.

✔ The app has been updated/created recently, and seems to contain current information about managing vertigo.

✔ Users can set reminders for medication and exercises, with the ability to register when it's done.

✔ The music playing during exercises can be reduced or muted on your device.

✔ The app cites research articles.

✘ The video exercises have written instructions and visual examples of how to do the exercise, but does not have verbal instructions.

✘ The written instructions are in a small font and can be difficult to read.

✘ Graphs and data export would have been useful so that users can show their doctor the exercises they have completed.

✘ There's no guide on how quickly the movements should be performed, and if/how they should be modified over time. The app should state that the user’s doctor/therapist would need to advise on this and to meet for reviews to monitor progress and adjust the exercises accordingly.

✘ The exercises don't state which specific vestibular conditions they apply to. Some key vestibular exercises are missing.

✘ Some of the advice given in the article section is not considered best practice (eg, move your head carefully and slowly during daily activities; sleep with your head slightly raised). While this could be indicated in a small majority during an acute phase, most vestibular specialists would not support this recommendation long term.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Dr Rachael Taylor, PhD, MAud, PGDipSci, BSc, MNZAS. Research Fellow and Vestibular Audiologist, the University of Auckland, Department of Physiology.
Vanessa Simpson BHSc (Physiotherapy), NZRP. Senior Vestibular and Neurological Physiotherapist and Educator. Owner of Vertigo Balance Clinic.
Tania Linford MNZAS, BSc, Maud, PGDip Couns. Senior Clinical Audiologist. Owner and operator of Tinnitus Relief Limited.
Date of review: June 2023
Platform: Apple
Version: 1.0.1
Comments: Vertigo Coach app is a useful tool to support patients who have seen a medical professional and have been diagnosed with a vestibular dysfunction. It has been developed to support doctors in giving specific and appropriate exercises to patients with a diagnosed vestibular disorder, to assist them visually in performing the exercises. The exercises are not suitable for people with BPPV or Meniere’s disease.
Overall, there are some limitations but generally the advice is sound and the app is user-friendly.
Note: It is essential that vertigo, dizziness and other balance disorders are properly and fully assessed and diagnosed by a medical professional or specialist, and their advice is followed, prior to users attempting to use vertigo apps.
Safety concerns: None.
The user has to agree to terms and conditions prior to using the app, which includes a statement that the app is intended for informational purposes only, and is not to replace professional medical advice.
It also states “Follow your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions. If in doubt, please seek medical advice.”
It would be good if there was a bit more in the introduction/ information section advising the app user to discuss with their specialist which exercises should be included and how often they should be reviewed according to progress.
New Zealand relevance: Yes, but is only available in English.

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