Clinical Assessment of Balance in Adults with Concussion

Abstract

Balance is a key component to the assessment of concussion injury; however, the efficacies of clinical tests used are currently under debate. It is questionable whether currently accepted methods of standing balance assessment quantify balance disturbances sufficiently to support decisions on recovery and return to play. Recent evidence of balance abnormalities postconcussion that linger beyond the typical 3- to 5-day recovery period support arguments that currently available standing balance tests are not sensitive enough to determine recovery of function. This article discusses the current clinical tests used in the assessment of concussion in adults and their limitations and the evidence supporting continued balance dysfunction. Implications for the future of balance assessment in concussed adults and recommendations to clinicians for best practices are presented.

Keywords

Balance assessment - standing balance - vestibular - sensory integration - concussion

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