More Reasons to Exercise After a Brain Injury

More Reasons to Exercise After a Brain Injury

A brief summary of current research.

Feasibility and Effect of Aerobic Exercise for Lowering Depressive Symptoms Among Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study (2012)

Schwandt, M, Harris, JE, Thomas, S, Keightley, M, Snaiderman, A, & Colantonio, A. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation 27(2), pp 99–103.

This study confirms earlier research that an exercise program is feasible and effective for people with traumatic brain injury. Aerobic exercise led to improved mood, cardiovascular fitness, and increased self-esteem. Study participants reported high satisfaction with the program and no unfavorable effects. Future research is needed to determine the intensity, frequency, and duration required to reach and maintain improvement.

Find out more.

Posted on BrainLine May 2, 2012.

Comments (9)

Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.

i ride a bycycle every morning to improve memory and body funtions

What kind of program you follow?

Gracie would love to hear an update of your injury. I have similar things going on that you mentioned . Was rear ended in a car accident sitting at a light July of this year . Laura

I have just spent fifteen years on my own recovering from a serious TBI, an Armed Robbery that took place in work whilst employed by NCP Ltd, here in Brighton; 4th April 2003. However nature has taken it's course and the heart and all the various other bits and pieces of the body function quite well now. At the moment I'm studying Mandarin with the Open University, not too bad considering all the doctors were certain that I was finished and they confidently left me on my own to die. Nevermind.

I had a closed head injury in an automobile injury in 1998 and it's a tough road back. I found listening to my favourite songs helped a lot. Luckily for me I have a great Wife who really loves me.
Have you got a pet dog, great company and you are never alone.Yes I cried a lot, for no reason, still do when I'm alone, but not as often. Exercise does help a lot, keep up the efforts of going for a walk, listen to some music while you walk. Never give up!!!

Thank You Brainline for all the information. Im 61, a widow, was very active and they say a social butterfly, now it's a celebration to go out to see the dr and come home. I'm not driving now and I hope it's temporary. I hate having to depend on others. I'm afraid they'll tire from the days that keep coming. I simply slipped on black ice Dec 22, 2016 where my front side of my head bounced off a curb. Concussion. Just completing 2 months. Drs say 3-6 months of rest and drink water . I'm trying everything I can to be normal but it's certainly not working for me. While I hate seclusion, I love visitors but more so when they leave . I just started walking outside a few yards when I feel strong enough. My focus is good but limited then I get warm, nauseated and a splitting headache . I know I don't have it as serious as some of you and Im thankful. I'm simply tired and sad progress isn't as fast as Id like. What do you do to help yourself heal and for boredom and loneliness when you're feeling good? Thank you! Gracie

This is my fourth concussion, and the only time I have had lingering symptoms a month post TBI. I have found that exercise with any sort of bouncing or becoming too hot make my symptoms much worse, and bring back symptoms I thought I was rid of. It is very frustrating because before I was bike riding 13-20 miles/day, and now I have to check the thermostat before I ride 6, knowing I may not be able to function well tomorrow.

For me feeling fit and strong was everything. A former Royal Marine and Kent Firefighter. I train as hard as I ever have with the weights and walk everywhere, but sadly due to nerve damage I cannot yet control my right-leg enough to run, mind you, it's only been 10 years! Lol :)
A consistent exercise program helped me improve my TBI state more than ANYTHING!!! My memory is sharper, I\'m sleeping deeper, and I just feel happier all around!