Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J75369

Journal:


Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, , ,

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study evaluated the impact of a graduated physical activity program on fatigue after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Using a prospective randomized single-blind crossover design, 123 individuals with TBI, over the age of 18, were enrolled. Interventions included a home-based walking program utilizing a pedometer to track daily number of steps at increasing increments accompanied by tapered coaching calls over a 12-week period. Nutritional counseling with the same schedule of coaching calls served as the control condition. Main outcome measures included: the Global Fatigue Index (GFI), the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Fatigue Scale Total and Overall severity index scores, and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) General Fatigue, Physical Fatigue, Reduced Activity, Reduced Motivation, Mental Fatigue subscales. Step counts improved over time regardless of group assignment. The walking intervention led to a decrease in GFI, BNI Total, and MFI General scores. Participants reported less fatigue at the end of the active part of the intervention (24 weeks) and after a wash-out period (36 weeks) as measured by the BNI Overall score. The results suggest that walking can be used as an efficient and cost-effective tool to improve fatigue in persons who have sustained a TBI.

Author(s):


Kolakowsky-Hayner, Stephanie A., Bellon, Kimberly, Toad, Ketra, Bushnik, Tamara, Wright, Jerry, Isaac, Linda, Englander, Jeffrey

Participating Centers: