Daiva Mockevičienė

Dr. Daiva Mockevičienė


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 November 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
VSViktoras Simanavicius
Viktoras Simanavicius
DMDaiva Mockevičienė
Daiva Mockevičienė
MLMarija Lebedeva
Marija Lebedeva
RSRafaela Espírito Santo
Rafaela Espírito Santo
LŽLaura Žalienė
Laura Žalienė
CSCesar Agostinis- Sobrinho
Cesar Agostinis- Sobrinho
Objective: This short-term prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) in Patients Diagnosed with Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD). Methods: Given the exploratory design, the small sample (n = 25) and absence of a formal power calculation limit precision, findings should be interpreted as preliminary, and confirmatory trials are warranted. Patients were assessed before (T1), immediately after a five-week vestibular rehabilitation program (T2), and again three months later without continued therapy (T3). Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). A Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) model was used to analyze changes in dizziness-related physical, emotional, and functional impacts over time, accounting for sex and its interaction with time. Statistical significance was tested using the Wald test, with results reported as estimated means and standard errors (SEs), and a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 44.48 ± 14.43 years, and the majority were women (84%). In the functional domain, the mean score difference was 6.69 points between T1 and T2 (p = 0.018), 7.11 points between T1 and T3 (p = 0.013), and 0.42 points between T2 and T3 (p > 0.05). In the emotional domain, the mean difference was 4.12 points between T1 and T2 (p = 0.008), 4.40 points between T1 and T3 (p = 0.005), and 0.29 points between T2 and T3 (p > 0.05). In the physical domain, the mean difference was 3.77 points between T1 and T2 (p = 0.024), 4.32 points between T1 and T3 (p = 0.009), and 0.55 points between T2 and T3 (p > 0.05). For the total score, the mean difference was 14.58 points between T1 and T2 (p = 0.005), 15.83 points between T1 and T3 (p = 0.003), and 1.25 points between T2 and T3 (p > 0.05). The moment variable had a statistically significant effect across all domains. Sex had a significant effect only in the emotional domain, with women consistently reporting higher scores than men. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a five-week vestibular rehabilitation program significantly improves the physical, emotional, and functional impacts of dizziness in patients with PPPD, with these benefits largely sustained three months after the intervention. Emotional improvements were particularly notable among women, highlighting potential sex-related differences in response to treatment. These findings underscore the importance of addressing emotional health in PPPD management and support the long-term effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation in improving patient outcomes.

26 October 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LŽLaura Žalienė
Laura Žalienė
DMDaiva Mockevičienė
Daiva Mockevičienė
EMEugenijus Macerauskas
Eugenijus Macerauskas
VZVytautas Zalys
Vytautas Zalys
MDMigle Dovydaitiene
Migle Dovydaitiene
Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently show postural abnormalities and elevated muscle tone, which can hinder participation in education and rehabilitation. Evidence on the immediate physiological effects of standardized multisensory environments is limited. Objective: To evaluate feasibility, safety and short-term physiological/postural responses to an automated multisensory smart relaxation system in children with severe ASD. Methods: In a single-session pilot across three sites, 30 children (27 boys; 6–16 years) underwent pre–post postural observation and bilateral surface EMG of the upper trapezius, biceps brachii and rectus abdominis. The system delivered parameterized sound, vibration, and mild heat. EMG was normalized to a quiet-sitting baseline. Results: The intervention was well tolerated with no adverse events. Most children sat independently (25/30; 80%) and a majority stood up unaided after the session (24/30; 76.9%). Postural profiles reflected common ASD features (neutral trunk 76%, forward head 52%, rounded/protracted shoulders 46%), while limb behavior was predominantly calm (73%). Normalized EMG amplitudes were low, with no significant pre–post changes and no meaningful left–right asymmetries (all p > 0.05; Cohen’s d < 0.20), indicating physiological calmness rather than tonic co-contraction. Conclusions: A single session with a smart multisensory relaxation system was safe, feasible, and physiologically calming for children with severe ASD, without increasing postural or muscular tension. The platform’s standardization and objective monitoring support its potential as a short-term calming adjunct before therapy or classroom tasks. Larger, gender-balanced, multi-session trials with behavioral outcomes are warranted.