Balance is a key component to the assessment of concussion injury; however, the efficacies
of clinical tests used are currently under debate. It is questionable whether currently
accepted methods of standing balance assessment quantify balance disturbances sufficiently
to support decisions on recovery and return to play. Recent evidence of balance abnormalities
postconcussion that linger beyond the typical 3- to 5-day recovery period support
arguments that currently available standing balance tests are not sensitive enough
to determine recovery of function. This article discusses the current clinical tests
used in the assessment of concussion in adults and their limitations and the evidence
supporting continued balance dysfunction. Implications for the future of balance assessment
in concussed adults and recommendations to clinicians for best practices are presented.
Keywords
Balance assessment - standing balance - vestibular - sensory integration - concussion
