Gaze Stabilization Exercise
Master fundamental gaze stabilization exercises to maintain clear vision during movement. Evidence-based techniques for reducing dizziness and improving visual stability in daily activities.
Exercise Details
- Visual target (letter or picture)
- Clear wall space
- Stable chair for seated practice
- Timer for tracking progress
Is this exercise right for me?
Check before you start
- You've been diagnosed with a vestibular condition
- Your acute symptoms have settled (no constant spinning)
- You can sit or stand safely without falling
- Your doctor has cleared you for vestibular exercises
- You're in acute crisis (room actively spinning)
- You have severe neck pain or recent neck injury
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- You had a head injury in the last 2 weeks
Recommended for: Vestibular Hypofunction, Vestibular Migraine, Vestibular Neuritis
First time?
Start with just 30 seconds, seated, with a wall or chair nearby for support. You can always build up from there.
What to expect
This is normal and part of the process
- •You WILL feel dizzy — that's the exercise working
- •Mild to moderate discomfort is normal and expected
- •The dizziness should stay manageable (not severe)
- •You may feel nauseous — this usually decreases over time
- •Symptoms should settle within 15-30 minutes
- •You may feel tired — this is normal brain work
- •Many people feel slightly 'off' for an hour or so
- •Each session should get slightly easier over weeks
- •Dizziness becomes severe and doesn't settle
- •You experience new symptoms like severe headache
- •You can't maintain your balance safely
- •Symptoms are still intense after 30+ minutes
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Gaze Stabilization exercises are designed to improve your ability to maintain clear vision while moving your head. These exercises are fundamental for daily activities like walking, driving, and reading, helping to reduce dizziness and improve visual stability during motion.
Daily Target: Complete 20+ minutes of exercises per day across 2-4 sessions for best results (APTA Clinical Guidelines 2022).
Exercise Parameters
Sets
3
Reps
8
Duration
1-2 minutes
Frequency
3 times daily
Exercise Overview
Goals
- Improve visual stability during head movement
- Enhance gaze control in daily activities
- Reduce motion-related dizziness
- Build confidence in dynamic environments
Equipment Needed
- Visual target (letter or picture)
- Clear wall space
- Stable chair for seated practice
- Timer for tracking progress
Exercise Progression
Level 1: Basic VOR x1
- 1.Hold target at arm's length
- 2.Move head side to side while keeping eyes focused
- 3.Start slow, increase speed as able
- 4.Perform for 1-2 minutes
Level 2: VOR x2
- 1.Move head and eyes in opposite directions
- 2.Increase speed gradually
- 3.Add vertical movements
- 4.Progress to diagonal movements
Level 3: Dynamic VOR
- 1.Walking while focusing
- 2.Moving target tracking
- 3.Multiple target switching
- 4.Complex background challenges
Safety Guidelines
Exercise Precautions:
- ⚠Stop if dizziness becomes severe
- ⚠Avoid exercises when very tired
- ⚠Do not exceed recommended speeds
- ⚠Take breaks between sets
- ⚠Report unusual symptoms to your provider
Tips for Success
Exercise Technique
- ✓Maintain good posture
- ✓Keep movements smooth
- ✓Progress at your own pace
- ✓Stay consistent with practice
Practice Environment
- ✓Choose a well-lit space
- ✓Minimize distractions
- ✓Have support nearby
- ✓Use proper target distance
Progress Tracking
Track Each Session:
- Maximum comfortable speed
- Duration of practice
- Symptom intensity
- Recovery time needed
- Progression level achieved
When to Progress
Ready for Next Level When:
- Current level feels comfortable
- Minimal dizziness during exercise
- Quick symptom recovery
- Maintaining good form
- Consistent performance
Helpful for These Conditions
View all →Vestibular Hypofunction
Understanding and treating vestibular hypofunction through evidence-based VOR exercises and training techniques
Vestibular Migraine
Everything you need to know about vestibular migraine — why you're dizzy without a headache, what triggers it, and how to take control. Written for humans, not textbooks.
Vestibular Neuritis
Complete guide to understanding and treating vestibular neuritis
Ready to Start?
Begin this exercise in our interactive VOR training app with real-time feedback and progress tracking.