Exploring the Feasibility of a Vestibular/Oculomotor Caregiver-Supervised Exercise Program in Children Post Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

PURPOSE: To explore the feasibility of a vestibular/oculomotor caregiver-supervised exercise program in children post moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

The study included 37 children aged 6-18 years, with a median of 42-days post moderate-severe TBI. The intervention-group participated in a vestibular/oculomotor caregiver-supervised exercise program for 8 weeks; the control-group continued with standard-care only. Feasibility was evaluated based on the number of adverse-events and practices reported, and the ability to perform assessments. Vestibular/oculomotor function was evaluated by the number abnormal tests in the Vestibular/Ocular-Motor-Screening. Balance was evaluated by the Pediatric Balance Scale and Functional-Gait-Assessment.

RESULTS

All participants completed the tests and no adverse-events were observed during the study. However, only 6 participants in the intervention-group performed ≥80% of the recommended practice. All assessments were significantly improved (P < .05) in both groups, with no significant differences between them.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the vestibular/oculomotor caregiver-supervised intervention program was safe, the cooperation-rate was low, indicating difficulties with feasibility.