# EFFECTS OF HIGHER- AND LOWER-INTENSITY EXERCISE ON FITNESS, COGNITION, MOTOR FUNCTION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN ADULTS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

## TL;DR

Exercise improves memory, balance, and quality of life in adults with traumatic brain injury, regardless of intensity.

## Contribution

Demonstrates that both high- and low-intensity exercise benefit brain injury recovery, with fitness gains linked to cognitive and physical improvements.

## Key findings

- Exercise improved memory, balance, and self-reported cognitive abilities in participants.
- Fitness gains were strongly associated with better memory, balance, and quality of life.
- No significant differences were found between high- and low-intensity exercise groups in this small sample.

## Abstract

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.

Participants were randomized to AET, RET, or waitlist control later randomized to AET or RET.

Nine adults, 25 to 65 years, completed elliptical training (AET = 4; RET = 5). Follow-up data were available for 4 AET and 2 RET.

Exercise groups trained for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at 0, 12, and 24 weeks.

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.

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.

The aim was to evaluate the effects of exercise on adults with a traumatic brain injury who could walk but were generally inactive. We randomly assigned nine participants to high-intensity training exercise or lower-intensity exercise focusing on increasing movement speed. Before and after a 12-week supervised training program and after a 12-week follow-up, we measured their ability to think quickly and recall things. We assessed physical abilities like fitness levels, how fast they walked, and how good their balance was, and we also collected ratings of how satisfied they were with their life and abilities. No differences were found between exercise types; however, when groups were combined, positive effects on thinking, moving, and satisfaction were observed. Those with greater fitness after training, which interestingly was not related to training intensity, had greater improvement. In conclusion, regular exercise at a safe level should be advocated for people with a brain injury.