Efficacy of Gait and Balance-Specific Training for a Patient with a Diffuse Axonal Injury / Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Retrospective Case Report
Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Start Date
4-12-2019 4:00 PM
End Date
4-2019 6:00 PM
Abstract
The purpose of this retrospective case report is to add to the current body of literature discussing the efficacy of gait and balance specific training for a patient with a severe diffuse axonal injury (DAI) / severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) who participated in physical therapy to return to safe ambulation in the community, driving, and return to sport activities. Case Description: The patient was a 21 year old Caucasian male and collegiate athlete who incurred a DAI/TBI in a motor vehicle accident while waiting at a stoplight. The patient presented to outpatient physical therapy to improve his gait, balance, and coordination in order to improve his safety and return to his prior level of function. Outcomes: The patient achieved the maximum score for the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and returned to all functional and recreational activities of daily living without complaints of difficulty. Discussion: The patient’s improvements may be an indication of the efficacy of gait and balance-specific interventions for improving impaired balance, gait, and locomotion in patients who have incurred a severe DAI/TBI.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Dr. Roberta OShea
Efficacy of Gait and Balance-Specific Training for a Patient with a Diffuse Axonal Injury / Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Retrospective Case Report
The purpose of this retrospective case report is to add to the current body of literature discussing the efficacy of gait and balance specific training for a patient with a severe diffuse axonal injury (DAI) / severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) who participated in physical therapy to return to safe ambulation in the community, driving, and return to sport activities. Case Description: The patient was a 21 year old Caucasian male and collegiate athlete who incurred a DAI/TBI in a motor vehicle accident while waiting at a stoplight. The patient presented to outpatient physical therapy to improve his gait, balance, and coordination in order to improve his safety and return to his prior level of function. Outcomes: The patient achieved the maximum score for the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and returned to all functional and recreational activities of daily living without complaints of difficulty. Discussion: The patient’s improvements may be an indication of the efficacy of gait and balance-specific interventions for improving impaired balance, gait, and locomotion in patients who have incurred a severe DAI/TBI.