Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
A Rehabilitation Program of Exoskeleton-assisted Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training with Non-immersive Virtual Reality for Stroke Patients
Published on: May 16, 2025
Physical activity and perceived barriers in individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury
Tri Pham1, Rachel Green1, Stephanie Neaves2
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Introduction:
Regular physical activity (PA), especially aerobic exercise, may benefit cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults, but promoting regular PA in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a challenge.
Objective:
To characterize PA and perceived barriers to PA in younger (<45 years) and middle age and older (≥45 years) individuals ≥1 year after moderate-to-severe TBI.
Design:
Multicenter survey study.
Setting:
Community.
Participants:
Persons who met the following criteria were included in the study: (1) 18 years and older; (2) English speaking; (3) History of moderate-to-severe TBI; (4) Followed in a TBI Model Systems Center for at least 1 year; and (5) Able to complete the survey independently.
Intervention:
Not applicable.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
PA level measured by Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity questionnaire (RAPA) and self-reported barriers to PA.
Results:
A total of 472 participants completed the survey (response rate of 21%). More individuals in the younger group (<45 years old) met Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended aerobic PA guidelines compared to the middle-aged and older group (≥ 45 years old) (62% vs 36%, p < .001). Lack of motivation, lack of time, and fatigue were the most reported barriers. Perceived barriers to PA varied by age and PA level: the middle-aged and older individuals (≥ 45 years old) were more likely to report no barriers and inactive individuals (RAPA ≤5) more likely to report lack of motivation and money, pain, and lack of resources.
Conclusion:
Participants ≥45 years of age were less likely to meet the CDC PA guidelines than younger individuals after moderate-to-severe TBI. Because perceived barriers to PA varied between age groups and PA levels, individualized approaches may be needed to promote PA in this population.
