The Effect of Orthostatic Training in the Prevention of Vasovagal Syncope and Its Influencing Factors

Abstract

Recently orthostatic training has been proposed as an effective treatment for vasovagal syncope, even though some patients may relapse. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of orthostatic training on patients with vasovagal syncope and its influencing factors. The study group comprised 125 consecutive patients (51 males and 74 females), aged 40 +/- 19 years, with a history of syncope and a positive head-up tilt test. They were randomized into an orthostatic training group (64 patients) and a no treatment group (controls, 61 patients). The training programme consisted of daily 30-minute sessions of upright standing against a vertical wall 6 days a week for at least 4 weeks. After one year of follow-up, 45 (72.6%) of 62 orthostatic trained patients reported no syncopal recurrence, while only 22 of 61 controls (36.1%, P < 0.05) reported the same. Furthermore, in the training group, the patients with recurrence were older, and the number of syncopal spells in the preceding year was less than in the patients with no recurrence in the same group. Orthostatic training is an effective therapy for the prevention of vasovagal syncope. This kind of therapy was of greater benefit to patients who were younger or experienced frequent spells of syncope.