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Motor performance following a mild traumatic brain injury in children: an exploratory study
I Gagnon1, R Forget, S J Sullivan
1Ecole de réadaptation, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Insights
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can cause motor performance deficits in children. Studies show balance and speed issues, but better upper limb coordination post-TBI.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Neuroscience
- Motor control research
Background:
- Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is frequent in children.
- Motor performance deficits after pediatric mild TBI are not well understood.
- Objective assessment of motor skills is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if motor performance deficits exist in children post-mild TBI.
- To objectively identify these potential deficits.
- To assess specific motor domains affected.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 28 children (5-15 years) immediately post-mild TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale 13-15).
- Assessed subjects 13-18 days post-trauma.
- Utilized the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency for standardized assessment.
Main Results:
- Significant deficits observed in balance, response speed, and running speed/agility (p < 0.01).
- Significant improvements noted in upper extremity coordination and visual motor control (p < 0.01).
- Motor planning and execution showed excellent performance in some areas.
Conclusions:
- Children with mild TBI exhibit specific motor deficits, particularly in balance and response speed.
- Upper limb coordination can remain strong.
- Further research is needed for precise evaluation and functional impact assessment.
Abstract:
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a common occurrence in the paediatric population and, as the concept of motor performance has not been assessed specifically in this population, the purpose of this study was to determine if motor performance deficits are present and can be objectively identified in a sample of children having sustained a mild TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score 13-15). Twenty-eight children aged between 5 and 15 years were recruited immediately post-trauma. Subjects were considered normal on standard neurological exam at the time of discharge. They were assessed 13-18 days post-trauma using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, a norm referenced clinical standardized assessment tool. Compared to published norms, motor performance was significantly lower in domains of balance, response speed and running speed an agility (t-test p < 0.01), and significantly higher in domains of upper extremity coordination and visual motor control (t-test p < 0.01). Although excellent performance can be observed in domains requiring upper limb coordination, motor planning and execution of motor tasks, deficits in balance and response speed can be identified in a significant number of children even after mild TBI. More specific and sensitive evaluations are necessary to identify the exact nature of the problems and evaluate their functional impact on daily activities.