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.
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.
Correspondence to Kurt A. Mossberg, PhD, PT, Dept of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-1144
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.
ABSTRACT