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.