The effect of aerobic training on rehabilitation outcomes after recent severe brain injury: a randomized controlled evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the impact of fitness training with recently brain-injured inpatients on exercise capacity and functional and psychologic outcome measures.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial of exercise versus relaxation training for 3 months. Blind assessments were conducted before and after the end of a 12-week training program, as well as at follow-up assessment 12 weeks posttraining.


METHODS
Four regional neurologic inpatient rehabilitation units.


METHODS
Of 157 patients recruited 24 +/- 14 weeks after single-incident brain injury, 142 patients were assessed at week 12, and 128 patients at follow-up.


METHODS
Patients were randomized between cycle ergometer aerobic training and a relaxation training control condition, which was theoretically inert with respect to cardiovascular fitness.


METHODS
Validation of exercise training (peak work rate, peak heart rate, body mass index); mobility and physical function (modified Ashworth scale, Berg balance scale, Rivermead Mobility Index, 10-m walk velocity); disability and dependency (Barthel index, FIMtrade mark instrument, Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living); and psychologic function (fatigue questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).


RESULTS
Significant improvements in exercise capacity (p <.05) in the exercise training group (n = 70) relative to the control group (n = 72) were not matched by greater improvements in functional independence, mobility, or psychologic function, at either 12 weeks or follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
The benefits of improved cardiovascular fitness did not appear to extend to measurable change in function or psychologic state.
Department of Health Sciences, University of East London, London, England.
A
A
Bateman
F J
FJ
Culpan
A D
AD
Pickering
J H
JH
Powell
O M
OM
Scott
R J
RJ
Greenwood
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome