Virtual Reality (VR) Treatment for Balance Problems in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Virtual Reality (VR) Treatment for Balance Problems in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectivenes of a home-based physical therapy
 program designed to improve balance following traumatic brain injury by incorporating the use
 of a virtual reality system.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Has sustained a documented TBI that required an inpatient rehabilitation program;

 -  is at least one year post TBI;

 -  is at least 18 and no more than 64 years of age at the time of enrollment;

 -  is English or Spanish speaking

 -  is at least three months beyond completion of formal PT, including acute inpatient
 rehabilitation, outpatient and home-based therapy;

 -  provides written medical clearance for participation in an in-home balance exercise
 program;

 -  ambulates independently within the home (with assistive devices and/or orthotics as
 needed);

 -  has active range of motion of bilateral upper extremities of at least 90 degrees of
 abduction to allow for control of the VR system;

 -  completes a 15 minute trial using a VR system in the absence of a negative physical or
 behavioral reaction;

 -  self-reports ongoing balance deficits and demonstrate such deficits by scoring at or
 below one standard deviation above the mean (75 or below) on the CB&M; and

 -  provides informed consent, or has a guardian available to provide consent.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  has a history of another medical illness or neurological disorder which may affect
 balance;

 -  has experienced a seizure within the last year;

 -  has a history of psychiatric disorder requiring hospitalization;

 -  is currently participating in another RCT;

 -  is currently using VR technology to address specific balance goals;

 -  is unable to travel to Craig for assessments throughout the study period;

 -  is unable to communicate effectively to complete standardized assessments;

 -  has cognitive impairment that precludes completion of baseline testing;

 -  is unavailable to participate in 12 continuous weeks of therapy;

 -  has no access to television able to connect to VR-gaming system; and

 -  reports inadequate space required for VR-gaming system sensors.