Community-Based Physical Activity Interventions after Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

<h3>Objective(s)</h3> To map and synthesize evidence about community-based physical activity (PA) interventions for individuals with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (m-s TBI) by asking the questions: what are the characteristics of community-based PA programs for individuals with m-s TBI; what are the reported health-related outcomes and measurement tools; what considerations have been given to sex and gender? <h3>Data Sources</h3> Searches were carried out in six databases in October 2020 (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and PEDro). <h3>Study Selection</h3> Peer reviewed studies about PA interventions for health-related outcomes in community-based settings for individuals of any age with m-s TBI published between 2003 and 2019 were included. Two reviewers independently screened 1725 records and 19 studies were retained. <h3>Data Extraction</h3> PRISMA Scoping Review guidelines were followed. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers using an Excel extraction form based on the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT). Health outcomes and measurement tools were classified with the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF). <h3>Data Synthesis</h3> Seven PA interventions types were included. Randomized control trials were the most common design. CERT scores were variable across studies M = 12.73 (67%), indicating limited detail for replication. Outcomes included improving body functions (74%), activities and participation (14%), personal and environmental factors (12%). All studies included data on participants' sex or gender, yet only four (21%) stratified their results by sex or gender. <h3>Conclusions</h3> A variety of PA interventions exist in the community offering management options outside the clinical setting. Findings from this review can inform future research and the design, implementation, and evaluation community-based PA interventions. More sex and gender considerations in PA research after m-s TBI are needed. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.