Oregon Health and Science University
Current clinical assessment tools are often not sensitive enough to detect and treat some subtle (yet troubling) problems after mTBI. In this study, the investigators will use wearable sensors to both assess and treat people with mTBI. Specifically, the investigators will provide immediate feedback, with visual and/or auditory, on movement quality during physical therapy. This immediate feedback on performance may improve outcomes as the investigators will measure multiple body segments including head movements simultaneously with balance and walking exercises. Such complex movements are needed for safe return to high level activity and military duty. The investigators will test this approach against a standard vestibular rehabilitation program. There are few potential risks to this study such as increasing symptoms and a small fall risk. Benefits include physical therapy for balance problems regardless of therapy with or without biofeedback. An indirect benefit is to have data on correct dosage of physical therapy. The investigators will also distinguish which concussion subtype profiles benefit most from physical therapy. This will help healthcare providers and patients by providing more information to help establish clinical guidelines and new tools for physical therapy.
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is common and can cause long-term problems. Balance problems are one of the most common problems and can prevent people from returning to their previous quality of life. People with mTBI can have many symptoms that present differently (i.e., 'subtypes'), making it difficult to evaluate and treat. Subtypes include cognitive, ocular-motor (vision problems), headache, vestibular (balance and dizziness) and mood. Correct detection of subtypes is important for patients to get the best and most specific (to their subtype) care, as quickly as possible. Our group has…
Inclusion Criteria: * For all Aims, participants may be either civilians, active duty military, or Veterans, and must: 1. have a diagnosis of mTBI based on VA/DoD criteria 2. be between 18-60 years old, 3. be able to stand unassisted for 10 minutes at a time 4. be outside of the acute stage (\> 2 weeks post-concussion) but within 6 months of their most recent mTBI and still reporting symptoms 5. have at least some measurable deficit in Vestibular/Ocular categories based on Concussion Profile Screen 6. have sufficient vision (corrected or uncorrected) for unassisted reading and pe…
During physical therapy sessions participants will wear sensors on their head, chest, waist, and feet for real-time instrumented audio and visual biofeedback on quality of therapeutic exercise.
During physical therapy sessions participants will go through vestibular therapeutic exercise WITHOUT audio and visual real-time biofeedback.