Vertigo: Walking Exercises

Overview

Walking is a simple but powerful exercise for vertigo. It can help improve your balance. Walking with greater balance will allow you to function better on your own, which in turn may lead to improved self-confidence. As you walk, you will also be working your muscles. This helps you keep muscle tone and may increase your strength.

Because you are moving, you are more at risk of falling. If you can, do your walking next to a wall with a handrail or in a hall, or be sure to have someone with you.

Here are three walking exercises that can slowly help improve your balance.

• "Walk and stop" exercise for vertigo
• "Walk and turn around" exercise for vertigo
• "Walk and turn your head" exercise for vertigo

If you are concerned about falling, always have someone with you when you take your walks.

"Walk and stop" exercise

1. Walk 5 steps, and stop abruptly.
2. Wait 10 seconds or until any dizziness goes away.
3. Repeat this until you have walked about 15 m (50 ft).
4. Do this exercise twice.

Slowly work up to walking 30 m (100 ft).

"Walk and turn around" exercise

1. Walk 5 steps, and then turn around and walk back.
2. Wait 10 seconds or until any dizziness goes away.
3. Repeat 5 times.
4. Do this exercise twice.

Slowly work up to repeating the exercise 10 times.

"Walk and turn your head" exercise

1. Walk and turn your head to one side as you walk. With every other step, turn your head to the other side. Try to walk about 15 metres (50 feet).
2. Then walk about 15 metres (50 feet) while moving your head up and down.

These exercises are harder than normal walking. So think about having someone with you when you start them. At first, you may not be able to walk in a straight line—you may weave a lot. Weaving less while doing these exercises is a sign of progress.

Do these exercises two times each day. Over time, work up to walking 30 metres (100 feet) for each exercise.