Abstract
Primary objective: To pilot test a physical activity centred education (PACE) programme for adults with a brain injury.
Research design: Purposive sampling was utilized from a convenience sample of nine adults with a brain injury (five female; four male).
Methods and procedures: The sample completed an 8-week health promotion programme focused on improving physical activity behaviours. Participants completed measures of self-efficacy, stage of change and rehabilitation outcomes pre- and post-programme. Descriptive analysis, effect sizes (ES) and percentage change in variables were assessed.
Main outcomes and results: Results indicated improved rehabilitation outcomes as participants decreased from moderate to mild limitation (ES = 1.67). Furthermore, participants reported increased self-efficacy (ES = 0.41) and intention to be active.
Conclusions and implications: Specialists are challenged to find modes of rehabilitation that improve the health of individuals with a brain injury. Pilot results from the PACE programme indicate that education about physical activity may play an important role in the rehabilitation process and lead to improved health outcomes.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to the variety of therapists at the medical centre who provided input, helped schedule the programme into the patients schedule and for recognizing the importance of physical activity for the patients.