ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the feasibility of conducting an aerobic exercise training study in a community setting for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, and controlled study. Nine participants (three moderate-to-severe and six mild TBI) were randomized to a community-based 3-month individualized aerobic exercise training program (AET). Seven participants (four moderate-to-severe, three mild TBI) were randomized to a stretching and toning program (SAT). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) level was assessed with peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) testing.

Results: After 3 months of training, the AET trended toward improved VO_2peak when compared with the SAT group (8% vs – 4%, p = .059) with a large effect size of 1.27. Only 50% of participants in the AET group completed more than 70% of the assigned exercise sessions. No adverse events were reported. Both the AET and SAT groups reported small improvements in self-reported mood symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and anger.

Conclusions: It is feasible to conduct an exercise training study and improve CRF for persons with TBI in community settings with structured exercise protocols. However, exploring methods to enhance adherence is crucial for future exercise clinical trials to improve brain health in this population.

摘要

目的: 评估在社区环境中为创伤性脑损伤 (TBI) 患者进行有氧运动训练研究的可行性

方法：这是一项前瞻性、随机和对照研究。九名参与者（三名中度至重度和六名轻度 TBI）被随机分配到基于社区的 3 个月个性化有氧运动训练计划 (AET)。七名参与者（四名中度至重度，三名轻度 TBI）被随机分配到拉伸和调理计划 (SAT)。使用峰值摄氧量 (VO _2peak ) 测试评估心肺健康 (CRF) 水平。

结果：经过 3 个月的训练，与 SAT 组（8% 对 – 4%，p = .059）相比，AET 趋向于改善 VO _2peak，效果大小为 1.27。AET 组中只有 50% 的参与者完成了超过 70% 的指定锻炼课程。没有报告不良事件。AET 和 SAT 组都报告了自我报告的情绪症状（包括抑郁、焦虑和愤怒）的小幅改善。

结论：在社区环境中，使用结构化的运动方案进行运动训练研究并改善 TBI 患者的 CRF 是可行的。然而，探索提高依从性的方法对于未来运动临床试验以改善该人群的大脑健康至关重要。