Presentation summary

Introduction :
Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic condition involving vestibular dysfunction and psychological components.
1 While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly employed to address its emotional aspects,
2 Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)—which combines cognitive reframing with acupoint tapping—have demonstrated efficacy in various psychiatric disorders.
3 Given its therapeutic potential, EFTmay also be applicable to PPPD. However, no studies have yet evaluated its effectiveness or safety in this context. This study aims to fill this gap through a pragmatic clinical trial.

Methods :
Thirty patients diagnosed with PPPD will be recruited from multiple centers and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group or the control group. The study will span approximately 4 to 8 weeks, comprising nine visits. The intervention group will receive EFT in addition to conventional treatment, which includes acupuncture and herbal medicine. The control group will receive conventional treatment alone. All interventions follow standard protocols administered across centers.

Results :
The primary outcome measure is the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Additional assessments include secondary clinical outcomes and vital signs recorded at each visit. Adverse events will be monitored and documented at both the beginning and end of the trial to ensure patient safety.

Conclusion :
This pragmatic clinical trial seeks to assess the clinical value of EFT as an adjunctive therapy for PPPD. The findings are expected to contribute evidence supporting the integration of EFT into routine clinical practice forpatients with PPPD, potentially offering a safe and effective approach to improving neuropsychological function.

○ Authors : Hyeon-ji Yu, Eui-ju Lee, Soon-hyung Ahn, Won-kyung Moon
College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
○ Funding : KHIDI, RS-2024-00441603
○ Trial registration : CRIS, KCT0010114