Modulation of working memory load distinguishes individuals with and without balance impairments following mild traumatic brain injury.

Balance impairment was only self-reported from one symptom item, so the study cannot show that the brain differences matched actual balance or gait impairment. The sample was very small, with 14 participants total, and the authors note that differences could have occurred by chance because of multiple comparisons. Balance impairment was not objectively confirmed; the authors recommend future studies with an objective balance measure. Inner ear causes of balance problems were not directly measured, so they cannot be completely ruled out. Working memory task performance was similar between groups, so the brain differences were not accompanied by a clear behavioural deficit in the task. Participants were only 2 to 8 weeks post-injury and mechanisms varied, so findings may not apply to later recovery or all mild TBI patients. One participant in the balance-impaired group had missing reaction time and accuracy data due to a technical error.

Do not conclude that cognitive or working memory training will improve balance after mild TBI. The study compared only 14 people with self-reported balance problems, did not objectively measure balance, and found no difference in working memory task performance.