Acquired brain injuries -- also known as ABI -- are those injuries to the brain that occur through an accident, trauma or an event such as a stroke. ABI is distinct from brain injuries that have a congenital basis. Physical and cognitive exercises can be helpful as part of a person's rehabilitation following an acquired brain injury.
Physical Exercise
An article in the June 2009 issue of the journal "PM&R" states that physical exercise appears to have potential benefits for individuals with ABI. Studies in animals have demonstrated that physical exercise is linked to regeneration of brain neurons after brain injury -- such regeneration may lead to improvements in memory function. Additionally, four previous studies involving human subjects have considered the relationship between physical exercise and improvements in brain function following ABI. Of these studies, one found no link between exercise and cognitive functioning improvements, but three studies found that physical exercise correlated to cognitive improvements for patients with ABI. The type, duration and intensity of physical exercise used in each study was very different.
Cognitive Exercise
Cognitive exercises can also be useful in rehabilitation after ABI or a stroke, according to a report in the January 2009 issue of the journal "Neuropsychology." Forms of cognitive exercises that were found to be helpful include language training, visuospatial training and attention training. It was unclear whether specific memory training exercises were beneficial. This study found that it was important to tailor cognitive exercises to the individual with ABI, taking into consideration factors such as the person's age and the cause of their particular ABI.
Expert Insight
A 2006 study carried out by researchers at the University of Oxford considered the effect of, and perception of, exercise intensity on individuals with ABI. Using stationary bicycles to measure physical exercise performance, this study examined 30 patients with ABI and a group of 18 control patients who did not have ABI. It was found that the patients with ABI generally exercised at a lower intensity than the control group. However, the ABI group's individually perceived exertion levels were similar to those of the control group.
Warning
An acute brain injury can affect diverse areas of a person's function and abilities. Although certain cognitive and physical exercises have been found beneficial in general to patients with ABI, it is crucially important that any exercises undertaken are specifically tailored to the individual. Exercises that are safe for one person with ABI may be dangerous for another. None of the information provided should be taken as medical advice -- consult your doctor for guidance and advice specific to your injury, medical history and current health.
