Weighted Compression Vest

The modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance is designed to assess how well a person uses sensory inputs (vision, vestibular, somatosensory). As well, it provides some insight into whether each of the sensory system available for balance are being used effectively. Subjects attempt to maintain balance for 30 seconds in different set conditions involving their eyes open or closed, arms across chest, and feet together or in tandem stance. Tandem stance is when one foot's heel is in front of, and in contact with the other foot's toes. The amount of time the subject can maintain balance (up to 30 seconds) is recorded in the set condition. A subject is deemed as "unable to maintain balance" if, they step out of their set condition, or if the physiotherapist deems them to be swaying too much.

The FGA assesses postural stability during various walking tasks. It is a 10-item gait assessment based on the Dynamic Gait Index. Each item is scored on a 4 item ordinal scale (0-3). The maximum score is 30 (normal) and the minimum score is 0 (severe impairment). The tasks have varying demands including gait with narrow base of support, gait with eyes closed, and gait while walking backwards and gait and pivot turn. The participant will perform each task, and the observer will give the participant a mark of 0-3, depending on how well the task is performed.

This is a survey that the participant fills out on their own. There are 16 items, with a 5 point ordinal scale from 0-4. "0" refers to not experienced at all, and "4" refers to a severe problem. The items are all symptoms that a person with a brain injury could possibly have. There is no time limit set upon this outcome measure, as the participant completes at his/her own pace.

Participants will be asked to rate their anxiety on a scale of 0-10. "0" will be referred to as no anxiety and "10" is addressed as extreme anxiety.