Effects of Exercise Programs on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in People With Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective The aims of this systematic review and meta-analyses were to evaluate the effects of exercise on the functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) of people with acquired brain injury (ABI) and to analyze the influence of training variables. Methods Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched until October 2021 for clinical trials or experimental studies examining the effects of exercise on the functional capacity and QoL in adults with ABI and comparing exercise interventions to nonexercise (usual care). Results Thirty eight studies were evaluated. A total sample of 2219 people with ABI (exercise, n = 1572; control, n = 647) were included in the quantitative analysis. A greater improvement was observed in walking endurance (z score = 2.84), gait speed (z score = 2.01), and QoL physical subscale (z score = 3.42) and QoL mental subscale (z score = 3.00) was observed in the experimental group than in the control group. In addition, an improvement was also observed in the experimental group in the “Timed “Up and Go” Test scores and balance, without differences with respect to the control group. Significant interactions were also observed between the rehabilitation phases, type, frequency, and volume of training, and overall effects. Conclusion The results suggest that exercise improves functional capacity and QoL regardless of model training, highlighting the effectiveness of long-term exercise that includes short sessions, with components such as strength, balance, and aerobic exercise.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Impact of an Exercise Therapy Program Based on Sports in People with Acquired Brain Injury: Discover Study Protocol

“…As highlighted in earlier research, the proposed sport-based design emphasizes the importance of notably addressing the social domain within ABI rehabilitation, as the focus on the physical domain still predominates in this context. Further studies that integrate sport-based elements into their therapeutic approaches are needed to achieve higher levels of social inclusion within the functional rehabilitation field [9,21,41].…”

“…Numerous studies have highlighted the positive outcomes of exercise therapy programs for people with ABI. Based on motor learning principles, several systematic reviews have consistently demonstrated the activation of supplementary motor areas and more consistent functional recovery compared to usual care alone [8][9][10][11][12]. In terms of design, multidisciplinary approaches that emphasize the integration of exercise therapy with social leisure activities are considered essential to elicit neuroplastic adaptations that enhance physical recovery [11,[13][14][15], and address cognitive and behavioral sequelae following ABI [16,17].…”

The effect of balance and gait training on specific balance abilities of survivors with stroke: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

“…In addition, balance disorders are strongly associated with a high rate of falls, which places a significant burden on patients with stroke and their families (7,8). Several studies have shown that exercise training positively affects balance improvement (9)(10)(11) and that balance and gait training (BGT) is considered an essential aspect of fall prevention (12)(13)(14). Therefore, involving BGT in the balance rehabilitation program for patients with stroke has become particularly important.…”

Results of the MOVE MS Program: A Feasibility Study on Group Exercise for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

“…However, among other neurological populations, positive long-term exercise behavior change has been demonstrated. This includes those with Parkinson’s disease [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ], the traumatic brain injury population [ 21 ], post-stroke populations [ 22 , 23 ], and those living with spinal cord injury [ 24 ]. Furthermore, positive exercise behavior change, and health benefits have been demonstrated with these long-term programs in community-based [ 17 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 25 ] and group settings [ 17 , 18 , 20 , 22 ].…”