Rehabilitation intervention by the proposal PI successfully used a vibrotactile/visual force platform device to improve balance test scores, facilitate sit-to-stand, and reduce falls. The study found beneficial effects from dual modal testing and training in her physical therapy practice. The aim of this proposal is to refine the existing device, and to determine the feasibility of multi modal force platform device including vibrotactile, visual, and auditory biofeedback in a mTBI population, and other populations with sensory/neural deficits who complain of dizziness and imbalance. Device design and clinical application will be pursued concurrently. This proposal outlines device development and clinical trial study design. Team members have extensive knowledge of postural control, previous research and rehabilitation solutions for dysequilibrium, and successful to market records. The physical therapist and physician has access to potential study candidates: an active IRB is in place. The desire of this team is to bring to fruition a clinical and a smaller, home multi modal biofeedback device containing quantifiable objective testing and best practice protocols for the rehabilitation of patients with complaints of dizziness and imbalance.
Keywords: Balance, Postural Control, Mtbi, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Multisensory Integration, Dizziness
