Written by Megan Smith, PT
One of the most common and challenging problems experienced by patients—particularly those in rehabilitation or physical therapy—is recovery from conditions or injuries that impact the patient’s vestibular control. Vestibular control is based in the inner ear and plays a crucial role in managing balance and coordination in nearly all facets of our daily lives.
While the causes of vestibular conditions and/or disorders can be varying, the methods of treatment rely on a selection of specialized tools. To aid in treatment and recovery from vestibular disorders, vestibular therapy devices offer a number of valuable treatment methods that help promote healthy function. These devices include balance boards for developing a patient’s ability to maintain consistent balance, specialized swing systems that support patients as they practice balance exercises, staircase systems that help rehabilitate level-changing movement (such as going up or down stairs), and many more.
Due to the dynamic, valuable therapy provided by vestibular therapy devices, they are an extremely popular and commonly-used method of treatment. To help you make the best choice for your needs, the five vestibular therapy devices featured in our rankings were assessed through a number of evaluating factors, such as cost-effectiveness, durability and reliability, additional features and considerations, and customer feedback.
Earning the number five position in our top five list is the Padded Vestibular Stair Steps from Fabrication Enterprises. This product is a specially-designed set of two or three steps (depending upon which version is chosen) that are made using a high-quality, sturdy foam. This foam construction allows the stairs to be sturdy enough for a patient to stand on, while providing the gentle padding necessary to ensure patient and caregiver safety when using the device.
The Padded Vestibular Stair Steps are primarily designed for use by patients who are developing or rehabilitating their motor control or balance when changing levels. The sturdy, durable foam construction of the stairs ensures that they can provide an added level of safety to patients, while also providing slight unbalance that helps facilitate vestibular therapy.
These stairs are available in two formats: two-step or three-step stairs. The two-step stairs offer a slightly shorter thinner size (24 inches by 14 inches) than the three-step stairs, which are slightly wider and taller. It should be noted that the ability to choose between stair formats was a commonly referenced positive in customer feedback, as it allowed customers to choose the stair set that best suited their needs.
The Platform Swing for Vestibular Therapy from Southpaw Enterprises claims the number four rank on our top five list. As its name implies, the platform swing is a sturdy plane that hangs from an overarching framework, and it is used to stimulate and regulate sensory and vestibular functions.
The platform format of the swing is designed to allow patients to easily swing in a variety of different positions during vestibular therapy, which can be helpful in treating and managing a range of conditions. For example, patients can use the platform in a prone, cross-legged, kneeling, or supine position—each of which has its own value and use in vestibular therapy.
The platform of the swing attaches to the frame through four durable control lines, ensuring that all four corners of the platform are supported and prevents any shifting balance on the platform. Additionally, these control lines can be adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between the frame and the swing.
Because of its ability to support a number of positions, the Platform Swing is particularly useful in developing or rehabilitating a patient’s motor skills and posture, making it a valuable tool for use in rehabilitation and physical therapy clinics, as well in school environments to promote developing vestibular senses.
The Swing Set Cuddle Swing by Southpaw Enterprises steps into the number three position of this top five list thanks in large part to its ease of use and cost-effectiveness. This swing implements a similar method of vestibular therapy as the Platform Swing also by Southpaw Enterprises, however, there are some key differences between the two.
While the Platform Swing is intended for various posturing exercises during vestibular therapy, the Swing Set Cuddle Swing is designed to be closer to a hammock format that promotes postural flexion while stimulating the vestibular senses. This vestibular stimulation is designed to provide patients with a more assisted form of therapy that focuses primarily on calming and organizing inputs and gentle support. In this way, the swing helps patients to develop and establish a base vestibular level while limiting excessive input or overstimulation.
The swing itself is made with a soft but durable nylon fabric that is designed to withstand frequent use. In fact, the swing itself is even machine washable, which makes it easy to clean. This ease of use and cleaning is without question one of the most frequently mentioned positives of this product, according to customers.
Earning the number two rank of this top five list is the Tumble Forms II Rocker Balance Board from Performance Health. This product is one of the top-rated balance boards available, and it is the only balance board to find its way into this top five list of vestibular therapy devices. It earns its high praise through its durability and cost-effectiveness.
The Tumble Forms II is a “rocker” balance board, meaning that the board is designed with a curved base that allows it to rock side to side. Patients develop their vestibular abilities while on the board by attempting to balance and keep it from falling to either side. This effectively helps to develop vestibular senses such as balance and coordination.
The board itself is made from a sturdy, solid wood that ensures it can stand up to frequent use. The top surface of the board is coated with a non-slip material that prevents patients from sliding while using the board. This provides patients with an added sense of control over the board during use.
The 19-inch by 19-inch top surface of the board is designed to allow patients to use a variety of positions to test their balance. This is particularly useful, as different positions on the balance board—such as a prone position versus a seated position—will test the patient’s vestibular senses in different ways by engaging different muscle groups.
Claiming the title of number one vestibular therapy device is Southpaw Enterprises’ Variable Axis Sensory Therapy Swing for Special Needs. This swing represents the top of the line in regards to vestibular therapy swings, as it offers the ability to swing in multiple planes for an increased degree of vestibular stimulation.
The Variable Axis Sensory Therapy Swing is designed to provide patients with a multidirectional range of swinging in both the vertical and horizontal planes. Using knobs on the sides of the swing, patients can adjust and manipulate their positioning both vertically and horizontally while swinging. Additionally, a Safety Rotational Device can be added to the swing that provides an additional, rotational plane of movement to patients. This ability to implement multiple planes of movement provides this product with a significant edge over its competition, and this fact is reflected in the positive feedback of customers.
Another key advantage of the Variable Axis Sensory Therapy Swing is its ease of clean up and storage. Unlike most vestibular therapy swings, this product is designed to be folded up to allow for quick and easy storage. This means that the swing does not need to take up space when not in use. Additionally, the swing is fitted with a removable cover that is machine washable, which allows for easy cleanup—particularly in comparison to other therapy swings.
The swing also offers the option to include a footrest attachment. Depending on the patient’s needs, the footrest can provide an increased feeling of stability while using the swing. This is especially useful for patients who are just starting to use the swing and are not quite used to the variable axis construction yet.
Adding to its impressive storage ability, the swing can be easily transported. When folded up, the swing is designed to be carried with ease. This is aided by the fact that the swing weighs under 10 pounds. Thanks to this lightweight design and portability, the swing can easily be brought anywhere that the patient might need it.
The Variable Axis Sensory Therapy Swing for Special Needs by Southpaw Enterprises easily claims the number one rank among vestibular therapy devices, as it offers a dynamic and innovative format for vestibular therapy that is simply unrivaled by its competition.
As noted in the introduction of this article, products were assessed based on their durability/reliability, additional features, and customer feedback. The Variable Axis Sensory Therapy Swing was a clear leader in all of these categories, as it represented the top of the line when it comes to vestibular therapy devices.
To learn more about any of the products featured in this top five list or to browse other high-quality items available on the market, visit the vestibular therapy page at Rehabmart.com.
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
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