Dual-Task Effect on Gait Balance Control in Adolescents With Concussion

Adolescents Demonstrate Greater Gait Balance Control Deficits After Concussion Than Young Adults

“…14,16 For each trial, motion data were analyzed for 1 gait cycle, defined as heel strike to heel strike of the same limb. The balance control variables included total medial-lateral COM displacement and the peak instantaneous COM velocity in the medial-lateral and anterior directions.…”

Concussion and Trauma in Young Athletes: Prevention, Treatment, and Return-to-Play

“…24 Another study, done on adolescents, showed a decrease in peak anterior velocity of the center of mass (COM) and had more significant medial/ lateral COM displacement when walking while performing a concurrent cognitive task. 25 This balance problem could be of particular concern in adolescent athletes, as they are required to process their surroundings cognitively while the event is occurring. A decreased anterior velocity and increased medial/lateral COM displacement could increase an athlete's chances of becoming injured.…”

Evaluation of postural stability in youth athletes: the relationship between two rating systems

“…Prior studies have used three-dimensional motion capture and force plate systems to objectively evaluate balance control following concussion, detecting deficits lasting from several days to many months after injury [2,6,7]. Widespread use of these systems in a clinical setting, however, is limited due to cost and space constraints for testing.…”