title: An isokinetic muscle strengthening program for adults with an acquired brain injury leads to meaningful improvements in physical function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate if an isokinetic strength training programme for leg muscles lead to personally meaningful changes in adults with an acquired brain injury (ABI).
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative exploratory design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve people with ABI participated in pre- and post-intervention face-to-face interviews with open ended questions. Data were initially analysed using a case study research approach exploring individuals experiences and then cross case analysis to determine common themes for the group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve-week isokinetic strength training programme for ankle and knee muscles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants perceived changes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thematic analysis determined four main themes arising from the interviews; occupation, vitality, sense of self and personal interactions. Participants reported reductions in impairments as a response to the exercise programme and these changes led to increased function and participation in activities they valued. Also marked improvements in vitality were reported as well as increases in self-esteem and general well-being for many participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An isokinetic strength training programme resulted in improvements in motor skills and functional abilities that were meaningful for the participants.
authors.affiliation: South Australian Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, 207-255 Hampstead Road, Northfield, South Australia 5085, Australia. Maggie.Killington@health.sa.gov.au
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Killington
authors.forename: S F H
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Mackintosh
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ayres
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult