Just this week I had a fellow PT that I was coaching ask me about standardized assessments to use when evaluating balance for patients who have sustained concussions.
Although until now we have relied on existing balance measures to utilize for this population based on age, there is an exciting new dynamic balance test that has been evidenced to be an effective measure for patients with concussions. Not only that - it's only 4 items!!
A 4 ITEM TEST THAT IS EFFECTIVE IN TESTING DYNAMIC BALANCE AFTER CONCUSSION?! CAN IT BE TRUE? 😂😁🥳
Introducing, or reviewing, the 4-Item Hybrid Assessment of Mobility for mTBI (HAM-4-mTBI) for monitoring individuals with mTBI.
The test was developed utilizing 2 items from the familiar Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and 2 items from the High-level Mobility Assessment Tool (HiMAT).
This initial study showed effectiveness in utilizing these 4 items as our dynamic balance measurement tool.
Remember:
We always want to check balance 2 ways: static and dynamic.
What are you using for your static testing?
As always, our mission at BCTC is to empower our colleages with the knowledge and confidence to treat this patient population compassionately and effectively.
Let us know if you would like some coaching or if you just have a quick question. We'd love to hear from you.
Looking forward to future collaborations!
Be well,
Danit
Danit Macklin PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Director, Balance & Concussion Therapy Center
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