Fitness training for cardiorespiratory conditioning after traumatic brain injury
Abstract
Background
Cardiorespiratory deconditioning is a common sequelae after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Clinically, fitness training is implemented to address this impairment, however this intervention has not been subject to rigorous review.
Objectives
The primary objective was to evaluate whether fitness training improves cardiorespiratory fitness in people who have sustained a TBI.
Search methods
We searched ten electronic databases (Cochrane Injuries Group Trials Register; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); EMBASE; PubMed (MEDLINE); CINAHL; AMED; SPORTDiscus; PsycINFO; PEDro and PsycBITE) and two clinical trials registers (TrialsCentral and Current Controlled Trials). The last search was August 2007. In addition we screened reference lists from included studies and contacted trialists to identify further studies.
Selection criteria
Randomised controlled studies with TBI participants were eligible if they compared an exercise programme incorporating cardiorespiratory fitness training to usual care, a non‐exercise intervention or no intervention.
Data collection and analysis
Two authors independently screened the search output, extracted data and assessed quality. All trialists were contacted for additional information. Mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for continuous data and risk difference or odds ratio and 95% CI were calculated for dichotomous data. Data were pooled when there were sufficient studies with clinical and statistical homogeneity.
Main results
Six studies, incorporating 303 participants, were included. The participants were primarily males, in their mid thirties who had sustained a severe TBI. The studies were clinically diverse with regard to the interventions, time post‐injury and the outcome measures used; therefore, the primary outcome could not be pooled. Three of the six studies indirectly assessed change in cardiorespiratory fitness after fitness training using the peak power output obtained during cycle ergometry (either at volitional fatigue or at a predetermined endpoint, that is, a percentage of predicted heart rate maximum). Cardiorespiratory fitness was improved after fitness training in one study (mean difference 59 watts, 95% CI 24 to 94), whilst there was no significant improvement in the other two studies. Four of the six studies had no drop‐outs from their intervention group and no adverse events were reported in any study.
Authors' conclusions
There is insufficient evidence to draw any definitive conclusions about the effects of fitness training on cardiorespiratory fitness. Whilst it appears to be a safe and accepted intervention for people with TBI, more adequately powered and well‐designed studies are required to determine the effects across a range of outcome measures.
PICOs
Plain language summary
Fitness training to improve fitness after traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of long‐term disability in children and young adults. Reduced fitness is a common problem after traumatic brain injury. Clinically, fitness training is used to address this problem.
Six studies, incorporating 303 people with traumatic brain injuries, were included in this review. The people were mostly male, in their mid thirties, and had sustained severe brain injuries. No studies were found that included children. Three of the six studies assessed change in fitness after fitness training. The results were mixed with one study showing an improvement in fitness and the other two studies showing no significant improvement. Four of the six studies had no drop‐outs from the fitness training group and no adverse events were reported in any study.
There is insufficient evidence to draw any clear conclusions as to the effects of fitness training on fitness. Whilst it appears to be a safe and accepted intervention for people with traumatic brain injury, further well‐designed studies are required to make any definite conclusions.
