Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial to Address Balance Deficits after Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of an in-home 12-week physical therapy (PT) intervention that utilized a virtual reality (VR) gaming system to improve balance in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Setting Home-based exercise program (HEP). Participants Individuals (N=63; traditional HEP n=32; VR n=31) at least 1 year post-TBI, ambulating independently within the home, not currently receiving PT services. Main Outcome Measures Primary: Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CBM Secondary: Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools-Objective (PART-O). Results No significant between-group differences were observed in the CBM ABC ( P =.4343) and PART-O ( P =.8822). However, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in CB&M and BESTest from baseline to 6, 12, and at 12 weeks follow-up (all P 's Conclusion This study did not find that VR training was more beneficial than a traditional HEP for improving balance. However, individuals with chronic TBI in both treatment groups demonstrated improvements in balance in response to these interventions which were completed independently in the home environment.