Citation

Kleffelgaard I, Roe C, Soberg HL, Bergland A. Disabil. Rehabil. 2012; 34(9): 788-794.

Affiliation

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital HF , Oslo , Norway.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/09638288.2011.619624

PMID

22149161

Abstract

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.

Language: en