Is high-intensity training advantageous in individuals with chronic traumatic brain injury?

A new study in the peer-reviewed Journal of Neurotrauma suggests that high intensity training (HIT), compared to conventional training, may improve walking ability in patients with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI). Possible secondary benefits may include improved aerobic capacity/efficiency and cognition. Click here to read the article now.

T. George Hornby, PT, PhD, from Indiana University School of Medicine, and coauthors, evaluated the effects of HIT focused on stepping practice versus conventional training on walking in individuals with chronic TBI. HIT focused on maximizing stepping practice while trying to achieve higher cardiovascular intensities. The investigators observed greater increases in 6-minute walk test and peak treadmill speed during exercise testing following HIT vs. conventional training. 

“The present and previous results suggest that such training interventions may be important components of rehabilitation interventions to improve walking and possibly other secondary outcomes for individuals with chronic TBI, consistent with data in patients with other acute-onset neurological injuries,” stated the investigators. 

“This is a small but important randomized controlled trial. It provides initial evidence that higher intensity cardiovascular training can be beneficial for people living with chronic effects of traumatic brain injury. I am excited to see where this field goes in the future,” says David L. Brody, MD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Neurotrauma.  

About the Journal
Journal of Neurotrauma is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published 24 times per year in print and online that focuses on the latest advances in the clinical and laboratory investigation of traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Emphasis is on the basic pathobiology of injury to the nervous system, and the papers and reviews evaluate preclinical and clinical trials targeted at improving the early management and long-term care and recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurotrauma is the official journal of the National Neurotrauma Society and the International Neurotrauma Society. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Journal of Neurotrauma website. 

About the Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. is a global media company dedicated to creating, curating, and delivering impactful peer-reviewed research and authoritative content services to advance the fields of biotechnology and the life sciences, specialized clinical medicine, public health and policy, and technology and engineering. For further information, please visit the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. website.