Novel exercise intervention for traumatic brain injury

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Effects of a novel 12-week, multi-component exercise intervention on physical function, psychological recovery and well-being with individuals, following recent mild to moderate traumatic brain injury: A pilot study.

  • IRAS ID

    193559

  • Contact name

    Grace O'Carroll

  • Contact email

    g.ocarroll@hull.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Hull

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 4 months, 16 days

  • Research summary

    Traumatic brain injury is a resultant from an external impact to the brain causing neurological dysfunction and is more prevalent in people who are in the prime of their lives. The recovery period is a critical time after a traumatic brain injury where multidisciplinary approaches can be used to enable patients to reach optimal recovery. Related symptoms post-injury include: headaches, dizziness, nausea, depression and lack of sleep. This can cause an adverse effect of their personal lives with job losses, family breakups and even homelessness.

    The aim of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel 12-week exercise intervention on the recovery in individuals with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. Whilst there has been much work done on effects of specific modes of exercise, there is limited research that looks at a multidisciplinary, novel programme incorporating dual-tasking activities. This pilot study will use a cohort of individuals aged 18-50 years with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury recruited from the A&E department at Hull Royal hospital, Wilberforce medical centre and general practitioner facilities. Participants will be randomly assigned into either a novel exercise or standard (no prescription-carry on with normal lifestyle) group allowing us to determine the effectiveness of an exercise intervention on the psychological and physical recovery from a brain injury. All participants will undergo physical and psychometric testing pre- and post-exercise period to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme.
    The graded exercise intervention will be individually designed to each participant based on their baseline assessments and will combine aerobic, balance, coordination, agility and dual-task activities. The novel exercise group will be asked to attend supervised sessions (2 times per week) for 12-weeks, whilst the standard treatment group will be asked to continue with their everyday activities for the 12-weeks.

  • REC name

    Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/YH/0210

  • Date of REC Opinion

    15 Sep 2016

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion