Abstract

Background. There is growing evidence that cognitive and motor functions after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are actually related. However, we failed to find any concrete evidence proving the interrelationship between balance and cognitive functions therefore the effects of TBI on cognitive and motor functions remain not fully evaluated. Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the recovery of balance and cognitive functions during physiotherapy in patients with TBI. The methods of the study. The study included 25 individuals who had sustained TBI. The subjects were distributed into two groups: Group 1 consisted of 15 subjects with moderate TBI, and Group 2 – of 10 subjects with severe TBI. The cognitive functions were evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination, the level of cognitive functioning (consciousness) was evaluated using the Rancho Los Amigos scale, and balance was assessed with the help of the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale. Results and conclusions. After physiotherapy, improvement was observed in the balance of subjects with moderate and severe TBI. Physiotherapy improved cognitive functions in subjects with moderate and severe TBI. The search for correlations between individual items of the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale and Mini Mental State Examination revealed relationship between some items in both groups.

Highlights

  • In recent years, studies focusing on traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been attracting increasing attention worldwide [1]

  • The cognitive functions were evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination, the level of cognitive functioning was evaluated using the Rancho Los Amigos scale, and balance was assessed with the help of the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale

  • Improvement was observed in the balance of subjects with moderate and severe TBI

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Studies focusing on traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been attracting increasing attention worldwide [1]. TBI will become the main cause of death and disability by 2020 [2]. According to Almeida T et al, TBI may cause limb paralysis, muscle tone alterations, ataxia, and sensory and balance disorders. TBI may impair speech and cognitive functions causing changes in attention and focusing ability, learning capacity, object recognition, and special perception [3]. According to Massenzo T and Pidcoe P, early rehabilitation is NEUROLOGIJOS SEMINARAI ISSN 1392-3064 / eISSN 2424-5917. The results of this study may be important in determining the relationship between balance and cognitive functions as well as the strength and significance of this association in the rehabilitation process

Methods
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call