Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Concussion Clinical Trial in Portland, OR

About This Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Concussion Study in Portland

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.

Sponsor: Oregon Health and Science University