Description of a multifaceted intervention programme for fatigue after acquired brain injury: a pilot study

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2017.1344132.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this pilot study was to describe and explore a group-based multifaceted intervention for patients with fatigue after acquired brain injury (ABI). We hypothesised that post-intervention changes would result in reduced fatigue, in addition to improved emotional health, sleep and attentional control. Eight subjects with traumatic brain injury (n = 3) and cerebrovascular insults (n = 5) were included. Inclusion was based upon the presence of fatigue complaints. The participants received 36 hours of intervention. Changes related to fatigue, emotional health and sleep was assessed with self-rating measures. Additionally, a neuropsychological test (Conners’ Continuous Performance Test II) was included as a measure of attentional control. All subjects were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 3 and 9 months follow-up. Findings indicated reduced fatigue levels (post-intervention and 3 months follow-up), anxiety (9 months follow-up), and daytime sleepiness (3 and 9 months follow-up). Pilot results suggest that multifaceted group-based interventions may have the potential to alleviate symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and sleepiness after ABI. At an individual level, a low load of psychological distress, insomnia symptoms, dysexecutive symptoms, in addition to a strong sense of self-efficacy, may be central in order to reduce levels of fatigue.

KEYWORDS:

• Fatigue
• cognitive rehabilitation
• brain injury
• goal management
• self-efficacy

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the participants, and the staff at the Cognitive Rehabilitation Unit Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, especially Anne-Margrethe Linnestad, Stine Storrud, Mona Nordsletten, and Marit Igesund who helped to carry out the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.