A randomised control trial of walking to ameliorate brain injury fatigue: a NIDRR TBI model system centre-based study.
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
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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.