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Physical Performance and Fall Risk in Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury
Dennis Klima1, Lindsay Morgan2, Michelle Baylor3
11 Department of Physical Therapy, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD, USA.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|November 22, 2018
Summary
Individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibit significant mobility deficits near rehabilitation discharge, indicating a high fall risk. These findings highlight the need for continued physical therapy to improve functional mobility post-discharge.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes persistent cognitive and neuromuscular deficits.
- Mobility impairments often continue despite functional gains on the Rancho Los Amigos scale.
- Limited research exists on physical performance in the acute phase of TBI before rehabilitation discharge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare balance and gait performance in ambulant individuals with moderate to severe TBI nearing discharge against age-matched controls.
- To assess performance against established thresholds for fall risk and community navigation capabilities.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 40 participants (20 TBI, 20 controls).
- Participants completed the Timed Up and Go (TUG), gait velocity, and Walking and Remembering tests.
- Balance was assessed using the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale (FABS) and instrumented Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction in Balance (MCTSIB).
Main Results:
- Individuals with TBI showed significantly poorer performance on all mobility tests (p < .05).
- TBI group exhibited slower gait velocity (p < .001) and longer TUG times (p < .001).
- TBI participants had greater sway velocity on MCTSIB (p < .01) and lower FABS scores (p < .001), indicating fall risk.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with moderate to severe TBI nearing rehabilitation discharge demonstrate significant impairments in balance and gait.
- Performance metrics suggest a heightened risk of falls and compromised community navigation.
- These findings underscore the necessity for ongoing physical interventions to enhance functional mobility before and after discharge.
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