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Feasibility and effect of aerobic exercise for lowering depressive symptoms among individuals with traumatic brain
Marika Schwandt1, Jocelyn E Harris, Scott Thomas
1Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Purpose:
: To establish the feasibility and effect of an aerobic exercise intervention on symptoms of depression among individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Design:
: A pre-post single group.
Participants:
: our community dwelling participants (>11 months postinjury) with residual physical impairment recruited from an outpatient clinic.
Intervention:
: 12-week aerobic exercise program.
Outcome Measures:
: The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression; aerobic capacity (cycle ergometer, heart rate at reference resistance, perceived exertion); Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and program perception (survey).
Analysis:
: Descriptive statistics to depict change in outcome measure scores. Answers from the survey were collated and presented as summary statements.
Results:
: All participants had fewer symptoms of depression, improved aerobic capacity and higher self esteem after the intervention. High satisfaction with the program was reported with no adverse effects.
Conclusion:
: The aerobic exercise program was feasible and effective for individuals with traumatic brain injury, leading to improved mood, cardiovascular fitness, and self-esteem. Future research is needed to determine the intensity, frequency, and duration required to reach and maintain improvement.