Citation

Williams G, Schache AG, Morris ME. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2013; 28(5): 379-385.

Affiliation

Physiotherapy Department, Epworth Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Dr Williams); and Centre for Health Exercise and Sports Medicine, School of Physiotherapy (Drs Williams and Morris) and Department of Mechanical Engineering (Dr Schache), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0b013e3182575f80

PMID

22647966

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: To identify factors that predict running ability following traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to quantify performance thresholds for these predictors. DESIGN:: Cross-sectional cohort study. PARTICIPANTS:: One hundred fourteen people with TBI. OUTCOME MEASURES:: Self-selected walking speed, the high-level mobility assessment tool, postural stability (lateral center of mass displacement), ankle power generation at push-off and quality of gait performance (Gait Profile Score). RESULTS:: All predictor variables were all strongly associated with the ability to run. However, only self-selected walking speed contributed significantly to the final result. Investigation of performance thresholds for self-selected walking speed indicated that following TBI, people who walk at speeds of 1.0 m/s or higher are 16.9 times more likely of being able to run than for those who walk at speeds of less than 1.0 m/s. CONCLUSIONS:: Self-selected walking speeds higher than 1.0 m/s greatly increase the likelihood of running following brain injury. The 1.0 m/s threshold, although slower than able-bodied self-selected walking speeds, may be an important indicator of the ability to run in this population.

Language: en