Sensor-Based Balance Measures Outperform Modified Balance Error Scoring System in Identifying Acute Concussion

Overview

Journal Ann Biomed Eng

Specialty Biomedical Engineering

Date 2017 May 26

PMID 28540448

Citations 43

Authors

Laurie A King

Martina Mancini

Peter C Fino

James Chesnutt

Clayton W Swanson

Sheila Markwardt

Julie C Chapman

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Balance assessment is an integral component of concussion evaluation and management. Although the modified balance error scoring system (mBESS) is the conventional clinical tool, objective metrics derived from wearable inertial sensors during the mBESS may increase sensitivity in detecting subtle balance deficits post-concussion. The aim of this study was to identify which stance condition and postural sway metrics obtained from an inertial sensor placed on the lumbar spine during the mBESS best discriminate athletes with acute concussion. Fifty-two college athletes in the acute phase of concussion and seventy-six controls participated in this study. Inertial sensor-based measures objectively detected group differences in the acutely concussed group of athletes while the clinical mBESS did not (p < 0.001 and p = 0.06, respectively). Mediolateral postural sway during the simplest condition of the mBESS (double stance) best classified those with acute concussion. Inertial sensors provided a sensitive and objective measure of balance in acute concussion. These results may be developed into practical guidelines to improve and simplify postural sway analysis post-concussion.

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