Citation

Perry SB, Billek-Sawhney B, Woollard J, Little S, Szalinski A. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2019; 34(2): E66-E73.

Affiliation

Physical Therapy Program, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Drs Perry and Woollard); Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania (Dr Billek-Sawhney); and ReMed, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Dr Szalinski).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0000000000000415

PMID

30045220

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare balance, mobility, and functional outcomes across 3 age groups of older adults with traumatic brain injury; to describe differences between those discharged to private residences versus institutional care. SETTING: Acute inpatient rehabilitation facility. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred adults, mean age of 78.6 ± 7.9 years (range = 65-95 years), with an admitting diagnosis of traumatic brain injury.

DESIGN: Retrospective case series. MAIN MEASURES: Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for Cognition and Mobility; Berg Balance Scale; Timed Up and Go; and gait speed, at admission to and discharge from an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements (P <.01) were made on the Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale, and gait speed for young-old, mid-old, and old-old adults, with no differences among the 3 age groups. Substantial balance and mobility deficits remained. The FIM cognition (P =.013), FIM Walk (P =.009), and FIM Transfer (P =.013) scores were significantly better in individuals discharged home or home with family versus those discharged to an institution.

CONCLUSION: Preliminary outcome data for specific balance and mobility measures are reported in 3 subgroups of older adults following traumatic brain injury, each of which made significant and similar improvements. Some FIM item scores discriminated between those discharged to a private residence versus a higher level of care.

Language: en