A Multidimensional Inpatient Balance Training Class to Improve Functional Outcomes in Rehabilitation Inpatients With ABI

Many survivors of acquired brain injury (ABI) suffer from decreased balance and increased risks of falls. Previous studies indicate that balance training improves balance, reduces falls, and increases walking speed and balance confidence. The purpose of this study is to determine if a multidimensional balance training based on the FallProof(TM) approach achieves better improvements in balance and walking performance than the current practice . Participants will be assigned to: 1)a task-oriented circuit training balance class (current practice), or 2) balance training class based on the FallProof(TM) approach. Standardized tests will determine if participating in balance training helps improve balance, walking speed and balance confidence.

The purpose of this pilot research study is to determine if a balance training (BT) class based on the FallProof(TM) approach achieves better balance and mobility outcomes than the current practice. The FallProof's approach focuses on multiple components of balance impairment including multisensory, postural strategy and centre of gravity control training. Current practice is a task-oriented circuit training balance class.

ABI survivors may have muscle weakness, decreased coordination and sensory loss, which contribute to reduced balance, difficulty with functional mobility and activities of daily living. Balance control provides the foundation for a person's ability to stand, walk and function independently. Previous studies indicate that balance training (BT) improves balance, reduces falls, increases walking speed and balance self-efficacy for ABI patients .The Ottawa Panel Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for ABI Rehabilitation supported the use of BT based on the research evidence. Interventions such as task-oriented training, multisensory training, trunk control training and perceptual exercises demonstrate positive effect on balance and mobility outcomes. To our knowledge, there are few studies that have examined a multidimensional approach to BT.

A systematic review concluded that exercises performed for 20-60 minutes, 3-4 times a week for 6-12 weeks can improve balance in ABI patients. However, Treacy et al demonstrated that inpatient BT for just 2 weeks can improve balance compared to a control group who received traditional exercise interventions.

At GF Strong Rehabilitation Center (GFS), the usual care provided to the ambulatory ABI patients consists of individualized one to one physiotherapy treatment, as well as a high level BT class. Currently, this BT class is a circuit training class that focuses on task-oriented gait exercises. FallProof balance training is a group- based approach that includes multisensory, postural strategy, centre of gravity control and gait pattern training. It was originally developed for older adults with impaired balance; but there is no research on the effectiveness of this approach for ABI patients. The FallProof approach has been introduced to the low level and intermediate level BT class at GFS, for ABI patients with sever and moderate balance impairments. These classes received positive feedback from patients and therapists. Patients reported improved functional mobility and confidence after attending the class. However, there was no functional outcome measurements collected to compare the effectiveness of the previous class and the new FallProof class. We plan to modify the current circuit training high level balance class with the FallProof approach in the spring of 2017. Before introducing the FallProof class, we would like to collect outcome measures with the current BT class for three months, and then collect collect data with the new class for comparison. We would like to determine if a multidimensional group based BT treatment approach is more effective at improving functional outcomes compared to the current practice.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. inpatients admitted to GFS with a diagnosis of ABI;
2. medical stability
3. has the cognitive ability to understand and follow instructions and participate in a class setting
4. a Berg Balance Score of ≥52;
5. able to walk independently with or without a mobility aid.

Exclusion Criteria:

1) unable to attend class in a group setting and/or unable to follow instructions.