Correlation between dizziness handicap inventory and functional reach test in patients with dizziness

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between self-perceived handicap using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and to analyse whether these measures correlate with Functional Reach Test (FRT) results of individuals with dizziness. Material and methods: Twenty patients (mean age=42.8 years) diagnosed having dizziness after otolaryngologic examination and vestibular assessment were asked to complete DHI and perform FRT during the same session in order to determine handicap and severity degree caused by dizziness. Results: The DHI was found to be weakly and moderately associated with FRT (r=-0.5, p=0.026). Functional subscale was found to be weakly and moderately associated with FRT (r=-0.59, p=0.007). Physical subscale was found to be weakly and negatively associated with FRT (r=0.42, p=0.068). Emotional subscale was found to be weakly and negatively associated with functional reach (r=-0.34, p=0.14). The associations between the physical and emotional subscales and DHI were similar but weaker (r=0.40 and 0.38, p=0.085 and 0.10, respectively). Conclusion: It is important to determine physical impairment and perceived handicap which affect activities of daily living in patients complaining from peripheral vestibular disorders like dizziness.