Abstract | BACGROUND: Interventions addressing balance dysfunction after traumatic brain injury (TBI) only target compensatory aspects and do not investigate perceptual mechanisms such as sensory acuity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel intervention that integrates sensory acuity with a perturbation-based approach for improving the perception and functional balance after TBI. METHODS: A two-group design was implemented to evaluate the effect of a novel, perturbation-based balance intervention. The intervention group (n = 5) performed the intervention with the sinusoidal (0.33, 0.5, and 1 Hz) perturbations to the base of support with amplitudes derived using our novel outcome of sensory acuity - perturbation perception threshold (PPT). The efficacy is evaluated using changes in PPT and functional outcomes (Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed-up and Go (TUG), 5-meter walk test (5MWT), and 10-meter walk test (10MWT)). RESULTS: There was a significant post-intervention change in PPT for 0.33 Hz (p = 0.021). Additionally, clinically and statistically significant improvements in TUG (p = 0.03), 5MWT (p = 0.05), and 10MWT (p = 0.04) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary efficacy of a novel, near-sensory balance intervention for individuals with TBI. The use of PPT is suggested for a comprehensive understanding and treatment of balance dysfunction. The promising results support the investigation in a larger cohort.
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Authors | Akhila Veerubhotla, Rakesh Pilkar, Naphtaly Ehrenberg, Karen J Nolan |
Journal | NeuroRehabilitation
(NeuroRehabilitation)
Vol. 48
Issue 1
Pg. 29-37
( 2021)
ISSN: 1878-6448 [Electronic] Netherlands |
PMID | 33386818
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adult
- Biofeedback, Psychology
(methods, physiology)
- Brain Injuries, Traumatic
(diagnosis, physiopathology, therapy)
- Feedback, Sensory
(physiology)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Physical Therapy Modalities
- Pilot Projects
- Postural Balance
(physiology)
- Random Allocation
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