title: Validation of a virtual reality balance module for use in clinical concussion assessment and management.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the criterion and content validity of a virtual reality (VR) balance module for use in clinical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective, VR balance module completed by participants during concussion baseline or assessment testing session.
  
  
  METHODS
  A Pennsylvania State University research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 60 control and 28 concussed students and athletes from the Pennsylvania State University.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study examined: (1) the relationship between VR composite balance scores (final, stationary, yaw, pitch, and roll) and area of the center-of-pressure (eyes open and closed) scores and (2) group differences (normal volunteers and concussed student-athletes) on VR composite balance scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With the exception of the stationary composite score, all other VR balance composite scores were significantly correlated with the center of pressure data obtained from a force platform. Significant correlations ranged from r = -0.273 to -0.704 for the eyes open conditions and from r = -0.353 to -0.876 for the eyes closed condition. When examining group differences on the VR balance composite modules, the concussed group did significantly (P < 0.01) worse on all measures compared with the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The VR balance module met or exceeded the criterion and content validity standard set by the current balance tools and may be appropriate for use in a clinical concussion setting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Virtual reality balance module is a valid tool for concussion assessment in clinical settings. This novel type of balance assessment may be more sensitive to concussion diagnoses, especially later (7-10 days) in the recovery phase than current clinical balance tools.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Kinesiology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania; and †Penn State Center for Sport Concussion Research and Services, University Park, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Elizabeth F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Teel
authors.forename: Semyon M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Slobounov
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D014584:User-Computer Interface