Robotic Balance Training to Improve Postural Control and Balance Post-Traumatic Brain
Kessler Foundation
Summary
The purpose of this study is to assess a balance training program to see if it can be helpful to improve balance and avoid falls in people who have had traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The study will involve three groups of research subjects: 1) TBI-intervention group, 2) TBI- non-intervention group and 3) the participants without disability group. The TBI intervention Group will participate in 10 robotic balance training sessions. Data will collected pre and post-training. TBI- non-intervention group will not receive any training. They will participate in two data collection sessions which are about 5 weeks apart. The participants without disability group will not receive any training. They will participate in one data collection session.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Participants with TBI: Inclusion Criteria: * Be between the ages of 18 and 65. * Have been diagnosed with a TBI by a physician and be at least 6 months post injury and not more than 5 years post injury. * Have been medically stable for 3 months prior to the most recent TBI. * Not plan to make any drastic changes to medications (as determined by study staff) for at least 4 weeks. * Be able to stand unsupported for 5 minutes. * Be willing and able to give informed consent. * Be able and willing to comply with study procedures, verbal instructions, and follow-up requirements. Exclusion Criteri…
Interventions
- DeviceTBI - Intervention Group
The participants will receive 10 customized robotic balance training sessions to improve balance using the Hunova robotic device. Each session will last for up to 1.5 hours. The training may include standing or sitting on the robotic balance platform and performing the following tasks: maintaining balance when the platform becomes unstable or moving in various directions, or in an inclination; these tasks may be performed as instructed with eyes open or eyes closed condition; move in different directions to reach targets with my hands; stand on one leg or heel to toe and maintain balance; perform head or torso rotation while standing or sitting. All training will be performed with an overhead harness and a spotter will be present at all times.
Location
- Kessler FoundationWest Orange, New Jersey