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A randomised control trial of walking to ameliorate brain injury fatigue: a NIDRR TBI model system centre-based study.

Neuropsychological rehabilitation
October 1, 2017
Stephanie A Kolakowsky-Hayner et al. (7 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the impact of a graduated walking program on fatigue in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Results Summary

The walking intervention led to reduced fatigue as measured by multiple fatigue scales (GFI, BNI, MFI), with improvements sustained after the intervention and a washout period. Step counts increased over time regardless of group assignment.

Population

123 individuals over age 18 with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Effective Dosage

Home-based walking program with pedometer tracking and incremental step increases, accompanied by tapered coaching calls.

Duration

12-week intervention, with follow-up at 24 and 36 weeks.

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
graduated physical activity programme
increase
step counts
123 individuals with TBI, over the age of 18
-
improved
#1
walking intervention
decrease
GFI
123 individuals with TBI, over the age of 18
-
led to a decrease
#2
walking intervention
decrease
BNI Total
123 individuals with TBI, over the age of 18
-
led to a decrease
#3
walking intervention
decrease
MFI General scores
123 individuals with TBI, over the age of 18
-
led to a decrease
#4
walking
decrease
fatigue
persons who have sustained a TBI
-
improve
#5
Abstract

Fatigue is one of the most commonly reported sequelae after traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study evaluated the impact of a graduated physical activity programme on fatigue after TBI. Using a prospective randomised single-blind crossover design, 123 individuals with TBI, over the age of 18, were enrolled. Interventions included a home-based walking programme utilising a pedometer to track daily number of steps at increasing increments accompanied by tapered coaching calls over a 12-week period. Nutritional counselling with the same schedule of coaching calls served as the control condition. Main outcome measures included: the Global Fatigue Index (GFI), the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Fatigue Scale Overall Severity Index Score, and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). Step counts improved over time regardless of group assignment. The walking intervention led to a decrease in GFI, BNI Total, and MFI General scores. Participants reported less fatigue at the end of the active part of the intervention (24 weeks) and after a wash out period (36 weeks) as measured by the BNI Overall. The study suggests that walking can be used as an efficient and cost-effective tool to improve fatigue in persons who have sustained a TBI.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultBrain Injuries, TraumaticCross-Over StudiesExercise TherapyFatigueFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedOutcome Assessment, Health CareProspective StudiesSingle-Blind MethodWalking
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations15
Citations/Year1.9
Relative Citation Ratio1.01
NIH Percentile50.7%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score1.95
Normalized Score0.70
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