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NSW Brain Injury Rehabilitation Forum May 2011
Back to: PROGRAMME : ABSTRACTS : VIDEOS
Balance, mobility and community outcomes in a cohort of children with ABI
JAN HANCOCK, Children's Hospital Westmead
Title: Balance, mobility and community participation outcomes in a cohort of children with acquired brain injury
Authors: Jan Hancock, Bronwyn Thomas, Ben Wan & Or Angie Morrow, Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Clinical practice suggests children who sustain a moderate or severe brain injury often have physical impairments that impact their long term mobility and community participation. However the prevalence and extent of mobility and balance impairments for children and adolescents following an acquired brain injury have not been quantified. This study evaluates mobility and balance outcomes in this population, and examines correlations with injury severity and length of hospital stay.
A retrospective chart review of all admissions (122 patients aged 5-18 years old at time of admission) during 2006-2007 to the Brain Injury Service at The Children's Hospital at Westmead was conducted. Patient demographics were described including gender, diagnosis, injury severity, length of hospital stay and other injuries or premorbid factors that would influence gait and balance. Outcome measures included body mass index, mobility scores, balance scores, school return and recreational activity. Outcomes at discharge and 3, 12 and 24 months post injury were recorded. A substantial proportion of children who sustained a moderate or severe brain injury had ongoing impairments that impacted their mobility and ability to participate in community activities.
This study quantifies the prevalence and extent of impaired mobility and balance in our cohort. Factors such as injury severity and length of hospital admission may predict mobility and balance outcomes. These findings may have implications for the prediction of long term mobility and balance impairments, community participation levels, and implications for clinical practice.
