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.