Altered balance control following concussion is better detected with an attention test during gait

Gait Posture. 2007 Mar;25(3):406-11. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2006.05.006. Epub 2006 Jun 19.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of concussion on gait stability when either a cognitive or motor perturbation is imposed. Fourteen individuals suffering from a grade II concussion and 14 matched controls performed a single task of level walking, a continuous sequential question and answer task while walking, and an obstacle-crossing task. Common gait spatial/temporal measurements, whole-body center of mass motion, and center of pressure trajectory were assessed. Concussed individuals adopted a more conservative strategy to maintain gait stability. Some measurements indicating conservative gait were seen during obstacle crossing, but this was most evident during the Q&A task. Concussed individuals also displayed signs of possible instability during the Q&A task. The question and answer task was most sensitive to distinguishing concussed individuals from healthy individuals, supporting the use of a similar dual-task modality in future testing after concussion to determine a proper time for return to activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Brain Concussion / physiopathology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Proprioception / physiology*