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Updated: May 26, 2026
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
Purpose:
The main objectives of this study were to describe long-term self-reported balance problems and to explore their associations with post-concussion symptoms and performance-based tests.
Method:
Prospective study of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Self-reported balance problems and post-concussion symptoms were measured with the Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire at 1 and 4 years after injury. Performance-based tests were performed 4 years after injury and included posturography, the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), walking speed tests, and the six-minute walk test.
Results:
Self-reported balance problems were reported in 31% of patients 4 years after injury and correlated significantly with post-concussion symptoms. The correlations with performance-based tests varied from ρ = 0.18 to ρ = 0.70 and were strongest for the maximum walking speed test (ρ = 0.70) and a dual-task test (ρ = 0.43). The DGI had a considerable ceiling effect.
Conclusions:
Balance problems were long-term consequences of MTBI in one third of this study sample. Self-reported balance problems correlated with post-concussion symptoms and some of the performance-based tests. Future research needs to develop and evaluate appropriate rehabilitation strategies that also address the balance problems.
