Using the Person-Based Approach to develop ‘Balance Retraining’: an online intervention for dizziness symptoms

Abstract

Background: As people become older, experiencing dizziness becomes more common and can lead to falls and poor quality of life. Specific exercises can retrain the balance system but are rarely taught. Given older adults’ increasing use of digital technology, we developed ‘Balance Retraining’: an interactive online intervention incorporating these exercises to support individuals in reducing dizziness. Methods: A ‘person-based approach’ to intervention development was taken, focusing on accommodating perspectives of target-users. Think-aloud and semi-structured interviews examined older adults’ (N = 18) experiences and perceptions of ‘Balance Retraining’. The resulting transcripts were thematically analysed. Findings: The findings revealed a positive reception regarding the look and feel of the intervention. Users reported it to be reassuring, supportive and educational. They also discussed the intervention as facilitating their continuation of the exercise therapy. Discussion: Older adults found an online intervention for self-management of dizziness to be accessible and engaging. The extent to which the use of the person-based approach facilitated user-engagement with the intervention will be discussed with reference to users’ experiences of engaging with the intervention.