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

Abstract

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.