Balance function and sensory integration after mild traumatic brain injury. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Li-Fong; Liou, Tsan-Hon; Hu, Chaur-Jong; Ma, Hon-Ping; Ou, Ju-Chi; Chiang, Yung-Hsiao; Chiu, Wen-Ta; Tsai, Shin-Han; Chu, Woei-Chyn
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 29:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2014.955881
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: This study examined the disparities in balance functions and sensory integration in patients with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) and healthy controls.</p> <p> <italic>Participants</italic>: One hundred and seven patients with mTBI and 107 age- and sex-matched controls were recruaited for this study.</p> <p> <italic>Primary measures</italic>: Symptoms of dizziness, balance functions and the ability to perform daily activities were assessed using the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). This study also performed the postural-stability test and a modified clinical test of sensory integration by using the Biodex Stability System (BBS).</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: DHI scores (functional, emotional, physical and total self-reported scores) were substantially increased in patients following an mTBI compared with the scores of the controls (<italic>p</italic> < 0.000). The postural-stability test indices (anterior-posterior) (<italic>p</italic> = 0.045) and the sensory-integration test index (eyes-open-firm-surface index) (<italic>p</italic> = 0.006) were substantially lower in patients with mTBI than in the controls. However, indices of two other postural-stability test indices (overall and medial-lateral) and three other sensory-integration tests indices (eyes-closed-firm-surface, eyes-open-foam-surface and eyes-closed-foam-surface) measured for the mTBI group did not differ from those of the control group.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusion</italic>: Activities of daily living, balance in postural stability and sensory integration were strongly impaired in patients with mTBI.</p> </abstract>