Monica E. Soliman, Cris Zampieri, Lisa M.K. Chin, Diane L. Damiano
DOI: 10.2340/jrm-cc.v8.44345

Objective: To assess the effects of higher-intensity aerobic training (AET) and lower-intensity rapid-resisted exercise training (RET) on fitness, cognition, balance, mobility, and quality of life in sedentary adults with chronic traumatic brain injury.
Design: Participants were randomized to AET, RET, or waitlist control later randomized to AET or RET.
Participants: Nine adults, 25 to 65 years, completed elliptical training (AET = 4; RET = 5). Follow-up data were available for 4 AET and 2 RET.
Methods: Exercise groups trained for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at 0, 12, and 24 weeks.
Results: Main effects from exercise included improvements in the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Limits of Stability excursion, fast elliptical cadence, and self-reported cognitive abilities. Improved fitness was related strongly to improved memory, balance, and quality of life. Similar fitness gains across groups indicate high individual variability in response to exercise intensity. Continuing to exercise during follow-up was associated with more cognitive benefits.
Conclusion: Exercise had positive effects on multiple aspects of functioning well after traumatic brain injury and should be advocated. Differences based on exercise intensity were not identified in this small sample. Inconsistent recommendations across studies on optimal exercise parameters are likely obscured by individual differences, suggesting a personalized approach is warranted.

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