Exercise physiology plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and long-term health of individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABIs). This specialised field focuses on understanding how the body responds and adapts to physical activity, particularly in populations with complex medical conditions. For people with ABIs, Exercise Physiology provides tailored interventions that not only improve physical fitness but also enhance cognitive function, reduce secondary health complications, and promote overall well-being. By integrating evidence-based exercise programs, Exercise Physiologists can help individuals with ABIs regain functional abilities, increase their independence, and improve their quality of life.
What is an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)?
An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) refers to any injury to the brain that occurs after birth. Unlike congenital or hereditary brain conditions, ABIs result from events that happen later in life and can significantly impact brain function.
Common Causes of ABI
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the cornerstone of the allied health domain, including exercise physiology. It involves integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. For EP clinicians, EBP ensures that interventions are not only scientifically validated but also tailored to meet individual client needs and goals. By adhering to EBP principles, clinicians can enhance treatment outcomes, optimise patient adherence, and minimise the risk of ineffective or outdated practices.
Transitioning Research into Practice:
Lack of blood flow or oxygen supply:
- Stroke: A leading cause of ABI, strokes occur when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked or when a brain haemorrhage occurs.
- Hypoxia: Hypoxia refers to a reduced oxygen supply to the brain, causing brain cells to die.
- Cardiac Arrest: Results in an interruption of blood flow to the brain.
Traumatic external forces:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBIs occur when an external force, such as a blow to the head, leads to brain damage. Common causes include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and assaults.
Infections:
- Meningitis or Encephalitis: These infections cause inflammation of the brain or its surrounding tissues, potentially leading to significant brain injury.
Toxins and substance abuse:
- Exposure to Neurotoxins: Chemicals such as heavy metals or carbon monoxide can damage brain cells when inhaled or ingested.
- Substance Abuse: Long-term abuse of alcohol or drugs can lead to brain damage, either through toxic effects or by causing conditions that reduce oxygen supply to the brain.
Symptoms of an ABI
- Impaired physical abilities (weakness, tremor, spasticity)
- Impaired ability to think and learn (forgetful, poor attention)
- Altered behaviour and personality (short tempered, lethargic, flat or depressed)
- Impaired ability to communicate (slow or slurred speech, difficulty following conversation)
How Exercise Helps and the Role of Exercise Physiologists
People with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) are some of the most physically inactive in society, especially those with high support needs. It can be overwhelming to know where to start with your exercise journey, and that is where Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) play a pivotal role. AEP’s can assess an individual’s physical capabilities and design a tailored exercise program to address these individual needs. Exercise programs will focus on improving an individual’s balance, mobility, global muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. All these factors play are crucial in improving the quality of life of individuals living with an ABI.
Exercise Recommendations
- Aerobic Exercise: This includes walking, jogging, swimming or wheelchair pushing. These forms of exercise improve an individual’s cardiorespiratory fitness and overall health. It is recommended that 30-minutes of this form of exercise is completed on five or more days per week.
- Resistance Exercise: This form of exercise improves muscular strength and endurance in people who live with an ABI. It is important to focus on the major muscle groups when completing this form of exercise. Resistance training is recommended to be undertaken two to three times per week.
- Functional Exercise: Performing exercise movements that help to improve the performance of everyday activities is also important. This can include movements such as a sit to stand, stair climbing or side stepping.
People with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) are some of the most physically inactive in
Written by Uplift Exercise Physiologist, Tom Davies
References
Exercise is Medicine Australia, Acquired Brain Injury and Exercise
Exercise is Medicine Australia, Acquired Brain Injury and Exercise
Exercise Right, Acquired Brain Injuries
