Understanding how concussion affects balance and navigation skills

Sensory Integration for Spatial Navigation After Concussion

NIH-funded research University of Utah · NIH-10992668

This study is looking at how concussions affect your brain's ability to use different senses, like sight and balance, to help you move around safely, especially if you're dealing with ongoing issues like dizziness or feeling unsteady after your injury.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10992668 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of concussion on the brain's ability to integrate sensory information necessary for spatial navigation and balance. It focuses on how concussions may disrupt the processing of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive cues, which are essential for maintaining orientation and mobility in daily activities. By examining these effects, the research aims to fill a critical gap in understanding the persistent symptoms like dizziness and imbalance that many concussion patients experience. The study will involve dynamic assessments of sensory integration during navigation tasks to better understand the challenges faced by individuals recovering from concussions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced a concussion and are experiencing persistent symptoms such as dizziness or balance issues.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a concussion or those with pre-existing balance disorders unrelated to concussion may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for patients recovering from concussions, enhancing their balance and navigation skills.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on dynamic sensory integration after concussion is relatively novel, previous research has shown that addressing sensory processing can lead to improvements in balance and cognitive function in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

Salt Lake City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.