Evaluation of Targeted Robotic Balance Training in Chronic TBI.

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) impairs sensorimotor functions, which affect static, dynamic, and reactive balance even in chronic stages. Varying levels of deficits in people with TBI (pwTBI) due to heterogeneous injury pose challenges on therapies. Since qualitative assessment-based conventional therapies are multifactorial, they may not precisely evaluate deficits or provide targeted therapy. However, robotic devices can precisely evaluate deficits and offer customized therapy progression based on deficits. Therefore, the study objective was to investigate the efficacy of a targeted robotic balance training (RBT) in pwTBI using biomechanical and functional outcomes. Data are presented for a small sample of pwTBI who received RBT (TBI-I) and for those who did not (TBI-C). After 10 sessions of training, TBI-I improved in biomechanical (static, dynamic, and reactive balance as well as limits of stability) and functional (community mobility and balance scale) outcomes. These results underscore the preliminary efficacy of RBT in improving balance and postural control in chronic TBI.Clinical Relevance - The data support the efficacy of RBT that can deliver targeted therapy for pwTBI.