Creative therapeutic interventions for clinicians to promote physical activity in older adults with a history of brain injury: a viewpoint

Abstract

The positive effects of physical activity on recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been thoroughly researched; however, limited knowledge exists on alternative treatment approaches to manage clients aging with a TBI. The long-term physical, cognitive and behavioral impairments that result from TBI affect physical activity. Current research supports implementation of novel approaches to promote prolonged independence and functional mobility after TBI. There is minimal evidence that evaluates group fitness, therapeutic yoga, music therapy, virtual reality and canine-assisted therapy to address the cognitive, behavioral, physical and functional changes associated with the aging TBI population. The purpose of this position article is to identify and explore creative interventions utilized by experienced clinicians that have demonstrated improved outcomes in clients aging with TBI.

Keywords:

• Traumatic brain injury
• aging
• treatment
• exercise

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Usha Persoud for assistance in the literature review.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interests.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jenna Tucker

Dr. Jenna Tucker is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Kean University in Union, NJ, where she currently serves as the Neurological Content Coordinator. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, with a minor in Psychology, from Northeastern University. She obtained her certification as a brain injury specialist in 2012 and became an ABPTS Certified Neurological Specialist in 2014. Her clinical experience includes inpatient acute rehabilitation for adult neurologic and orthopedic dysfunction, home care for adults with TBI and outpatient rehabilitation for adults with brain injuries. She has authored multiple articles, presented at conferences, developed and managed various clinical programs, and is an active committee member for the Brain Injury Alliance of NJ.

Ilana Beitscher

Ilana Beitscher is an Occupational Therapist at Rehabilitation Specialists, an outpatient/day program for adults with brain injuries, and an Adjunct Professor in the School of Occupational Therapy at Kean University in Union, NJ. She earned her Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, with a minor in Psychology, from Elizabethtown College in 2006. Her clinical experience includes inpatient acute rehabilitation for adults with neurologic and orthopedic injuries, and outpatient/long term treatment of adults with brain injuries. She has authored several articles and presented at national conferences.

Thomas A. Koc Jr.

Dr. Thomas Koc, Jr. is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Kean University in Union, NJ, where he currently serves as the Musculoskeletal content coordinator. He earned his DPT degree in 2011 and his Ph.D degree, with a specialization in movement science, in 2017 from Seton Hall University. He has been practicing in both outpatient and inpatient hospital settings since 2011. In 2013, he earned his Certified Integrated Manual Therapist (CIMT) credentials through Great Lakes Seminars. He is also a Credentialed Clinical Instructor through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). His areas of research include evaluation, examination, and treatment interventions for not commonly seen diagnoses.

Gabriella Fama

Gabriella Fama is a third year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Kean University located in Union, NJ. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Science from Montclair State University in 2014. She has clinical experience in the neurological rehabilitation setting where she observed and treated individuals with brain injury, vestibular dysfunction, Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. She has completed two full-time clinical affiliations in outpatient orthopedic settings and one full-time clinical affiliation in home care where she worked with the geriatric population. Upon graduation, Gabriella has plans to treat both orthopedic and neurological related injuries.

Jinal Patel

Jinal Patel is a second year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Kean University in Union, NJ. She graduated from Kean University’s undergraduate division in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Biology. Her past and current clinical affiliations have provided her with experience in working with the orthopedic, pediatric, geriatric, and neurologic populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Jinal takes a keen interest in working with neurological diagnoses and hopes to pursue a future within that specialty upon graduation.

Hannah Friedman

Hannah Friedman is a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Kean University in Union, NJ. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a focus on Public Relations in 2018. Through her clinical affiliations, Hannah has had exposure in working with the orthopedic, geriatric, pediatric, and neurological populations in both outpatient and hippotherapy settings. Hannah is interested in working with both neurological and orthopedic populations upon graduation.