Effects of guided aerobic exercise and mindfulness after acquired brain injury: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether a specific guided programme of aerobic exercise together with mindfulness could have an effect on estimated health status and occupational performance in individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). As secondary outcomes, the effects on health-related quality of life, cognition and mental fatigue were analysed.

Methods: The study included individuals with mild to moderate ABI (n = 21) with residual cognitive impairments. Guided interventions were given three times per week for 12 weeks. Neuropsychological and physical tests as well as patient-reported outcome measures were used as outcomes.

Results: Estimated health status, self-reported occupational performance as well as satisfaction with performance improved together with physical capacity. Improvements in cognitive functions were related to attention and information processing speed; in addition, self-reported mental fatigue was reduced after the intervention. Cognitive function related to working memory and health-related quality of life were not affected.

Conclusions: Support to improve physical capacity combined with practicing mindfulness, bringing attention to the present moment, seems to have a positive impact on occupational performance, estimated health status, attention and information processing speed as well as mental fatigue in individuals with cognitive dysfunction after ABI.

Keywords:

• Rehabilitation
• adults
• activities of daily life
• physical capacity
• cognition

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express our gratitude to the participants of the intervention. The authors also would like to express our gratitude to the neuropsychologists Kit Schwerdt and Lovisa Hellgren, occupational therapist Margareta Fridén who helped us to do the assessments and patient interviews before and after the intervention, and to physiotherapist Caroline Leon who was the leader in one of the study groups.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the writing and content of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

The study was financially supported by the Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden and the University Hospital in Linköping, County Council of Östergötland, Sweden.