Aerobic training in brain-injured patients

Abstract

A pilot study was performed to assess the value of aerobic training as part of the rehabilitation programme for patients with a single incident brain injury requiring admission to an inpatient neurological rehabilitation unit. The cohort consisted of six patients with a combination of impairments including weakness, spasticity, taxia and cognitive problems. Each patient performed an exercise test at the beginning and end of the study to assess changes in aerobic fitness and performance. The aerobic training programme consisted of 20-30 minute sessions on an exercise bike three times a week for eight to 12 weeks. The post-training exercise test showed significant increases in duration ( p < 0.01) and in workload ( p < 0.025) compared to the pretraining test. There were no adverse effects from the training programme. Aerobic training should be considered in the rehabilitation programmes devised for patients with recent brain injury. Further research is needed to determine the best way to integrate this with other aspects of rehabilitation.

Ambulatory efficiency in persons with acquired brain injury after a rehabilitation intervention

“…A detailed analysis was performed of sub-maximal responses to exercise on a minute-by-minute basis. Decreases in sub-maximal heart rates of patients with ABI have been shown by other investigators after a training intervention [13,15,17]. A lower heart rate at a given sub-maximal workload suggests an increase in stroke volume and an improvement in the pumping ability of the left ventricle.…”

“…All but three of the subjects increased their total ambulation time, which equates to an increase in workload. Others have reported an increase in total exercise time on a cycle ergometer [12,15,16]. In each of these studies, subjects were both tested and trained on a stationary bicycle and each found an increase in exercise tolerance and exercise capacity.…”

Increasing therapeutic exercise participation by individuals with acquired brain injury using self‐recording and reinforcement

“…Second, data were not collected to socially validate the effects of increased exercise engagement for the participants. Despite the absence of formal measures of social validity, participants' reported that they enjoyed exercising and prior studies have found that increased exercise was highly valued by participants and their families (e.g., DeLuca & Holborn, 1992;Wolman et al, 1994). Moreover, as each of the participants had experienced weight-gain as a side-effect of psychotropic medication, the establishment of a consistent workout routine may have helped the participants counteract such effects.…”

“…The results contribute to the literature by showing that a relatively simple intervention can be used to increase exercise participation by individuals with ABI. Results from prior studies suggest that increased exercise may increase independence and quality of life for individuals with ABI (e.g., Driver et al, 2006;Gordon et al, 1998;Jankowski & Sullivan, 1999;Sullivan et al, 1990;Thompson & Born, 1999;Wolman et al, 1994).…”

“…Many individuals with ABI require life-long care from family members, supported-living arrangements, or neurorehabilitation facilities. In light of the problems and expenses that accompany brain injuries, results from several studies suggest that physical conditioning for individuals with ABI may promote greater psychological well-being and increased physical functioning (e.g., Driver, Rees, O'Connor, & Lux, 2006;Gordon, Sliwinski, Echo, McLoughlin, Sheerer, & Melli, 1998;Jankowski & Sullivan, 1999;Sullivan, Richer, & Laurent, 1990; Thompson & Born, 1999;Wolman, Cornall, Fulcher, & Greenwood, 1994). In fact, some studies recommend beginning intensive specific training exercises very early in the rehabilitation process (e.g., Canning, Shepherd, Carr, & Alison, 2003).…”