High-level mobility outcomes following acquired brain injury: a preliminary evaluation.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a high-level mobility programme for people with acquired brain injury (ABI).

RESEARCH DESIGN

A cohort study which evaluated the efficacy of a high-level mobility programme for people with ABI.

SETTING

A major rehabilitation hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-eight people with acquired brain injury.

EXPERIMENTAL INTERVENTIONS

A 3 month high-level mobility programme conducted twice weekly consisting of strengthening exercises, pre-running and running drills and agility exercises supplemented with a gym or home exercise programme.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

The primary outcome measure was the high-level mobility assessment tool (HiMAT). Participants were predominantly male and young (average age 33.2 years, range 16-72 years) with chronic ABI. HiMAT scores for the 28 participants who returned at the 3 month follow-up initially ranged from 6-44 points (mean 20.3). The 3 month follow-up scores ranged from 12-51 points (mean 29.2). The mean HiMAT score change ranged from 2-20 points (mean 8.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant recovery in high-level mobility was achieved during a 3 month running programme. People with chronic ABI may also expect to benefit from retraining high-level mobility. Clinical trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of training programmes for high-level mobility.