Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume 88, Issue 3 , Pages 315-320, March 2007

Aerobic Capacity After Traumatic Brain Injury: Comparison With a Nondisabled Cohort

Presented in part to the American Physical Therapy Association, February 2006, San Diego, CA.

  • Kurt A. Mossberg, PhD, PT

      Affiliations

    • Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to Kurt A. Mossberg, PhD, PT, Dept of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-1144
    • ,
  • Danielle Ayala, MPT

      Affiliations

    • Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
    • ,
  • Tracey Baker, MPT

      Affiliations

    • Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
    • ,
  • Justin Heard, MPT

      Affiliations

    • Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
    • ,
  • Brent Masel, MD

      Affiliations

    • Transitional Learning Center, Galveston, TX.

Abstract 

Mossberg KA, Ayala D, Baker T, Heard J, Masel B. Aerobic capacity after traumatic brain injury: comparison with a nondisabled cohort.

Objective

To compare aerobic capacity of people recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) with an age- and sex-matched group of nondisabled sedentary people.

Design

Descriptive comparative study of peak and submaximal physiologic responses.

Setting

Residential postacute treatment center.

Participants

Convenience sample of 13 people with TBI and 13 age- and sex-matched nondisabled subjects. All subjects could walk 5.3kph (3.3mph), follow 2-step commands, and comply with testing using the gas collection apparatus.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Subjects performed a graded maximal treadmill test during which heart rate, minute ventilation (V̇e), oxygen consumption (V̇o2), carbon dioxide production, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were measured every minute until exhaustion. Ventilatory equivalents for oxygen (V̇e/V̇o2) and oxygen pulse were calculated.

Results

Subjects recovering from TBI had significantly lower peak responses for heart rate, Vo2, Ve, and oxygen pulse TBI (P<.01). Peak RER and Ve/Vo2 were similar. There were significant differences in submaximal responses for V̇e/V̇o2 and oxygen pulse.

Conclusions

Patients with TBI were significantly more deconditioned than a comparable group of sedentary people without disability. Participation in cardiorespiratory fitness programs after TBI should be encouraged to prevent secondary disability.

Key Words: Brain injuries, Head injuries, closed, Physical endurance, Rehabilitation

 

 Supported in part by the Moody Foundation and the National Institutes of Health (grant no. R01 HD046570).No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the author(s) or upon any organization with which the author(s) is/are associated.Reprints are not available from the author.

PII: S0003-9993(06)01556-5

doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2006.12.006

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume 88, Issue 3 , Pages 315-320, March 2007

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