Recreational physical activities among children with a history of severe traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To describe leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and physical capabilities such as balance, muscle strength and walking performance and to evaluate the associations between physical capabilities and LTPA among children post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) as compared to a peer group of typically-developed (TD) controls.


METHODS
Convenience sample of 15 children, 1.5-7 years post-severe TBI and 15 age- and sex-matched controls.


METHODS
LTPA by the Godin and Shephard (G&S) questionnaire. Balance tests-the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and functional reach test (FRT). Maximal isometric strength was assessed by using a hand-held dynamometer; walking dynamics were recorded by an electronic mat and the 6 minute walk test and energy expenditure index (EEI). Perceived exertion was rated by the OMNI scale.


RESULTS
Children post-severe TBI participate significantly less in LTPA as compared to TD controls (p < 0.01). Walking performance was comparable between groups except for step length which was significantly shorter among children post-TBI. Hip extensor strength and balance performance were significantly lower among children post-TBI. Balance performance was positively associated with LTPA.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that attention should be directed towards improving balance performance as part of the training repertoire of children and adolescents with post-severe TBI. The efficacy of such a training programme, in particular its contribution to LTPA participation, should then be further assessed.
Sackler Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Professions, Physical Therapy Department, Tel-Aviv University, Israel. michalkz@post.tau.ac.il
Michal
M
Katz-Leurer
Hemda
H
Rotem
Ofer
O
Keren
Shirley
S
Meyer
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*