Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
10:31
A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
Associations among self-reported balance problems, post-concussion symptoms and performance-based tests: a
Ingerid Kleffelgaard1, Cecilie Roe, Helene L Soberg
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway. ingerid.kleffelgard@oslo-universitetssykehus.no
Disability and Rehabilitation
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Long-term balance problems affect one-third of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) patients, correlating with symptoms and some tests. Further research is needed for rehabilitation strategies addressing these balance issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) can lead to persistent neurological deficits.
- Balance problems are a common yet often under-addressed consequence of MTBI.
- Understanding the long-term impact of MTBI on balance is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize long-term self-reported balance problems following MTBI.
- To investigate the relationship between these balance issues and post-concussion symptoms.
- To explore associations between self-reported balance and objective performance-based tests.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving patients with MTBI.
- Self-reported balance and post-concussion symptoms assessed using the Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire at 1 and 4 years post-injury.
- Performance-based balance assessments, including posturography, Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), walking speed, and six-minute walk test, conducted at 4 years.
Main Results:
- 31% of MTBI patients reported long-term balance problems at 4 years post-injury.
- Self-reported balance issues showed significant correlations with post-concussion symptoms.
- Correlations with performance tests ranged from 0.18 to 0.70, with strongest links to maximum walking speed and dual-task tests. The DGI exhibited a ceiling effect.
Conclusions:
- Balance problems represent a significant long-term consequence for a substantial portion of MTBI survivors.
- Self-reported balance deficits are linked to ongoing post-concussion symptoms and measurable functional impairments.
- Development and evaluation of targeted rehabilitation strategies for MTBI-related balance problems are warranted.
