Wearable Technology to Characterize and Treat mTBI Subtypes: Biofeedback-Based Precision Rehabilitation

Summary

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.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

18–60 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Other
  Vestibular therapy for mTBI augmented with audio and visual real-time biofeedback

  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.

• Other
  Vestibular therapy for mTBI

  During physical therapy sessions participants will go through vestibular therapeutic exercise WITHOUT audio and visual real-time biofeedback.

Locations (3)