TY - JOUR PY - 2021// TI - A proof-of-concept trial of a community-based aerobic exercise program for individuals with traumatic brain injury JO - Brain injury A1 - Ding, Kan A1 - Tarumi, Takashi A1 - Tomoto, Tsubasa A1 - Bell, Kathleen R. A1 - Madden, Christopher A1 - Dieppa, Marisara A1 - Cullum, C. Munro A1 - Zhang, Song A1 - Zhang, Rong SP - ePub EP - ePub VL - ePub IS - ePub N2 - OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of conducting an aerobic exercise training study in a community setting for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, and controlled study. Nine participants (three moderate-to-severe and six mild TBI) were randomized to a community-based 3-month individualized aerobic exercise training program (AET). Seven participants (four moderate-to-severe, three mild TBI) were randomized to a stretching and toning program (SAT). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) level was assessed with peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)) testing.

RESULTS: After 3 months of training, the AET trended toward improved VO(2peak) when compared with the SAT group (8% vs - 4%, p = .059) with a large effect size of 1.27. Only 50% of participants in the AET group completed more than 70% of the assigned exercise sessions. No adverse events were reported. Both the AET and SAT groups reported small improvements in self-reported mood symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and anger.

CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to conduct an exercise training study and improve CRF for persons with TBI in community settings with structured exercise protocols. However, exploring methods to enhance adherence is crucial for future exercise clinical trials to improve brain health in this population.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0269-9052 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2020.1865569 ID - ref1 ER -