Assessment and Rehabilitation of Central Sensory Impairments for Balance in mTBI
Abstract
Objectives: Control of balance requires complex integration of sensory and motor systems. Balance measurement is often over-simplified, preventing balance deficits from being identified and treated after mTBI. Our central hypothesis is that chronic balance deficits after mTBI result from impairments in central sensorimotor integration that may be helped by rehabilitation. This research has two objectives; 1)to characterize balance deficits in people with mTBI, and 2) to use a novel auditory biofeedback device to improve measures central sensorimotor integration and balance control. Methods: Aim I) Balance Assessment: mTBI patients with non-resolving balance deficits following injury and healthy control participants with no history of mTBI are currently being recruited and tested on a battery of vestibular, neurocognitive, and balance-related tests. Aim II) Balance Rehabilitation: mTBI patients (a subgroup from Aim 1) are randomly allocated into a standard of care balance rehabilitation program either with, or without auditory biofeedback. Both groups receive rehabilitation two times per week for six weeks. All participants are tested at baseline during Aim I testing, and are tested again following the intervention period, and again 6 weeks later to determine retention of changes. Status: Sixty participants have completed Aim I, Balance Assessment (19 mTBI and 41 controls). Eight of the mTBI participants have fully completed rehabilitation, 6 week post rehabilitation testing, and the 12 week retention testing (Aim II). Findings to date: People with chronic mTBI reported worse symptoms relating to balance and vestibular dysfunction than the healthy controls. Vestibular problems associated with the sensation of gravity and linear motion have been noted in the chronic mTBI group. Turning velocity and coordination were slower in people with chronic mTBI. People with chronic mTBI weighted sensory information differently during the test of central sensorimotor integration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1043827
Entities
People
- Laurie A King
Organizations
- Oregon Health & Science University