Head trauma, or brain injury, is defined as any traumatic blow to the head and ranges from mild to severe, all requiring exercise to help you function better in daily life. All exercises for head trauma need to be done consistently and become a lifelong habit. Exercises concentrate on improving coordination and balance, brain blood flow, cognitive abilities, independence levels, flexibility, strength and cardiovascular functioning. Check with your doctor first.
Walking
Walking is a low-impact activity that can provide an all-body workout as part of your exercises for head trauma. When done consistently, walking strengthens your large muscle groups. Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes plays an important role in preventing injury. If walking solo is too difficult due to balance or navigational concerns, walk with a buddy who can provide guidance and support. Increase your focus by walking in uncrowded areas. Walk at a comfortable pace for five minutes at first. Walking outdoors provides a change of scenery and is good for head trauma patients. If walking outdoors, be aware of your surroundings to prevent injury. Walk on paved, even surfaces. Shoot for a goal of walking 30 minutes at a moderately-brisk rate on at least five days weekly. Gradually increase your time and intensity levels as you become stronger. If you feel unsafe, remember to wear a helmet to protect your head in case you fall.
Water Maneuvers
Exercises for head trauma can be done in water. Water provides a unique exercise environment because the natural buoyancy supports your body weight, reduces joint stress and makes falling impossible. Water's natural resistance and buoyancy properties combine to provide a stable environment that can enhance and challenge your balance without using expensive equipment. Using webbed gloves and ankle weights can increase intensity. Do some leg lifts to improve your balance. Get into chest-deep water and plant your feet firmly on the pool's surface. Wear aqua shoes to prevent slipping. Slowly lift your right leg toward your chest. Grab a hold of your knee with your hands to increase the stretch. Pull your knee toward your chest. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Remove your hands and slowly return your leg to the standing position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Do the exercise again using your left leg.
Cognitive Maneuvers
Head trauma injuries can result in cognitive impairment regarding organizational, planning, attention and/or memory capabilities. After being diagnosed as impaired, the area can be helped with therapeutic cognitive remediation exercises. Computer-based cognitive remediation exercises can help improve memory and learning capabilities. Improve your problem-solving skills, memory and learning skills by searching the Internet, according to the New York State Office of Mental Health. Searching the Internet allows you to learn new procedures for finding information, learning commands and sequences needed to perform future research and helps with remembering information you found. Write in the search box what you are seeking. Choose a website that contains that information. Read the website and write down what you learn and how you got there. Do Internet research for 10 minutes daily on any random topic.
Bicycling
Bicycling can be included in exercises for head trauma. As a low-impact activity, bicycling is easy on your joints and can provide an all-body aerobic workout that can help your head trauma recuperation, according to BrainLine.org. Bicycling outdoors provides a change of scenery that can be beneficial for head trauma patients. Start bicycling for five minutes while wearing proper attire and a helmet. Gradually increase your time as you become stronger. Ride a tandem bicycle if riding solo is too difficult or uncomfortable.
References
- Craig Hospital: Exercise and Your Brain
- Aquatics International: Water Fitness, Saving Grace
- Aquatics International: Water Fitness Exercises
- The Brain Clinic: Cognitive Remediation for Traumatic Brain Injury
- New York State Office of Mental Health: Dealing with Cognitive Dysfunction
- BrainLine.org: Aerobic Exercise Following TBI
