Optimizing postural control after traumatic brain injury: A task-oriented approach to examination and intervention Journal Article

  


Author: Yan, C. C.
Article Title: Optimizing postural control after traumatic brain injury: A task-oriented approach to examination and intervention
Abstract: Background and Purpose: This case report summarizes the evaluation and treatment used to provide physiotherapy services to a 47-year-old male client with postural instability as well as attention control impairment following traumatic brain injury. A task-oriented approach was used as frame of reference to guide the evaluation and intervention processes. Case Description: The client had difficulty standing up and in maintaining postural stability in standing. These were demonstrated on the Berg Balance Scale at the functional level, by movement analysis and by an inability to adapt sensory information as indicated by the Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction in Balance at the strategic level, and by hemiparesis and decreased attentional control at the impairment level. A physiotherapy program of balance and strength training that incorporated the principles of cognitive rehabilitation for attention impairments was implemented for the client. The primary goal was to increase postural stability, leading to independent performance of functional tasks in standing. Outcomes: Following four weeks of inpatient physiotherapy, the client demonstrated postural stability during standing activities and independence and safety in ambulation with the use of a walking stick. Discussion: The task-oriented approach provided a comprehensive conceptual framework to examine this client's ability in the performance of motor tasks. Similarly, the approach emphasized the physiotherapist to establish realistic, achievable goals, and a comprehensive plan of care with and for the client to address the issues and problems from the three-level (functional, strategy, and impairment) examination.
Keywords: adult; treatment outcome; clinical feature; anamnesis; case report; intervention study; clinical evaluation; ambulatory care; cognition; task performance; physiotherapy; attention disturbance; clinical examination; traumatic brain injury; falling; body equilibrium; balance; neurorehabilitation; postural control; task-oriented approach
Journal Title: Physiotherapy Singapore
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0219-1091
Publisher: Singapore Physiotherapy Association  
Date Published: 2008-03-01
Start Page: 6
End Page: 13
Language: English
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:

http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-43149116110&partnerID=40&md5=756e2366adba5c78d22b0ecbd4c71da7
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 1" - "Export Date: 17 November 2011" - "CODEN: PHSIF" - "Source: Scopus"