Recreational physical activities among children with a history of severe traumatic brain injury

Brain Inj. 2010;24(13-14):1561-7. doi: 10.3109/02699052.2010.523046. Epub 2010 Oct 25.

Abstract

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.

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

Main outcome measures: 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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Brain Injuries / rehabilitation
  • Child
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / physiopathology*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Israel
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Muscle Strength / physiology*
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Trauma Severity Indices
  • Walking / physiology*