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

Description

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.

Conditions

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Concussion, Rehabilitation, Balance Impairment

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

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.

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

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

Condition
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Concussion
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Portland

Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97239-3098

San Antonio

Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, United States, 78234

Salt Lake City

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84112

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility 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 18-50 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 performance of everyday personal tasks and independent community ambulation
  • 7. have adequate hearing (without amplification) adequate for engaging in close-range personal or telephone conversation.
  • * Participants must not:
  • 1. have had or currently have any other injury, medical, or neurological illness that could potentially explain balance or vision deficits (e.g., stroke, a more severe brain injury, recent lower extremity or spine orthopedic injury or surgery)
  • 2. meet criteria for moderate to severe substance-use disorder within the past month, as defined by DSM-V
  • 3. display behavior that would significantly interfere with validity of data collection or safety during study
  • 4. be in significant pain during the evaluation (\> 7/10 by patient subjective report)
  • 5. be a pregnant female (balance considerations)
  • 6. been hospitalized for any brain injuries (separate from emergency department)
  • 7. have significant joint pain or recent musculoskeletal injury that limits walking or mobility
  • 8. have had any major surgeries in the past year or amputation
  • 9. use an assistive device
  • 10. unable to stand barefoot
  • 11. currently receiving rehabilitation services for their mTBI or injuries related to their concussion

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Oregon Health and Science University,

Laurie A King, PhD, DPT, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Oregon Health and Science University

Study Record Dates

2028-09-30