Faster Oxygen Uptake Kinetics with Aerobic Exercise Training in Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Poor cardiorespiratory function and fatigue are common in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We recently demonstrated that participation in aerobic exercise training improves cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with TBI, however the effect of exercise training on O2 uptake (VO2) on-kinetics has not been examined in this population group. PURPOSE: To examine the influence of participation in a vigorous aerobic exercise training program on VO2 on-kinetics and self-reported health status in individuals with TBI. METHODS: Seven subjects (2 males, 5 females; Age: 33 ± 8 years; BMI: 24 ± 4 kg/m2; mean ± SD) with non-penetrating TBI (TBI severity: 2 moderate; 3 mild) performed a series of moderate-intensity (∼80% of anaerobic threshold, AT) exercise bouts on a treadmill before and after participation in a vigorous aerobic exercise training regimen. Training intensity was between 70 and 80 % of heart rate reserve, duration was 30 minutes per session, and frequency was 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Pulmonary gas exchange was measured breath-by-breath throughout the moderate-intensity exercise bouts for determination of VO2 on-kinetics. Health status was self-reported using the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) Short Form 36. Both the VO2 on-kinetics test and MOS Short Form 36 were completed at baseline and following participation in the exercise training program. RESULTS: Faster VO2 on-kinetics (p<0.05) was observed following exercise training (Pre: 29 ± 8 s; Post: 20 ± 3 s). Significant changes were not observed in MOS Short Form 36 physical (Pre: 52.3; Post: 52.6) or mental (Pre: 45.3; Post: 46.9) domains, with scores being close to standardized mean scores for the general population. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that individuals with TBI are able to improve VO2 on-kinetics with participation in vigorous aerobic exercise training; however VO2 kinetics might not influence their perception of health status.