Physical Performance and Fall Risk in Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury

Injuries sustained from traumatic brain injury (TBI) culminate in both cognitive and neuromuscular deficits. Patients often progress to higher functioning on the Rancho continuum even while mobility deficits persist. Although prior studies have examined physical performance among persons with chronic symptoms of TBI, less is known about the relatively acute phase of TBI as patients prepare for rehabilitation discharge. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to (a) compare balance and gait performance in 20 ambulant persons with moderate to severe TBI who were nearing rehabilitation discharge with their age-matched controls and (b) describe performance with thresholds for fall risk and community navigation. During a designed task circuit, 40 participants (20 persons with TBI and 20 controls) performed the Timed Up and Go (TUG), gait velocity, and Walking and Remembering tests. Balance testing included the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FABS) and instrumented Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction in Balance (MCTSIB). Statistical analyses included analysis of covariance for group comparisons and a multivariate analysis of covariance for MCTSIB sway velocities with anthropometric controls. The TBI group (mean [ M] age = 42, standard deviation [ SD] =19.5 years; 70% males) performed significantly more poorly on all mobility tests ( p < .05) and their scores reflected a potential fall risk. Gait velocity was significantly slower for the TBI versus control group ( M = .96, SD = 2.6 vs. M = 1.5, SD = 2.2 m/s; p < .001), including TUG times ( M = 13.5, SD = 4.9 vs. M = 7.7, SD = 1.4; p < .001). TBI participants also demonstrated significantly greater sway velocity on all MCTSIB conditions ( p < .01) and lower performance on the FABS ( p < .001). Performance indices indicate potential fall risk and community navigation compromise for individuals with moderate to severe TBI. Physical performance scores support the need for continued interventions to optimize functional mobility upon discharge.