Participatory co-creation of an adapted physical activity program for adults with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.
Enrico Quilico, Shawn Wilkinson, Lindsay Duncan and 5 others
PMID 36188895WHAT IT FOUND
Adults with moderate-to-severe TBI valued a 9-month community gym program for its structure, peer support, and clear visual aids.
They reported feeling more capable and autonomous, with barriers like fatigue and social comparison easing over time.
Key findings
01Participants identified barriers including fatigue, social comparison, and language difficulties, but reported these diminished by the final phase of the program.
02Structured support, visual aids, and peer mentors were key facilitators that helped participants manage exercise routines and maintain motivation.
03Participants perceived improvements in physical endurance, cognitive function, and social confidence, leading to greater autonomy in their physical activity.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study included only 17 participants, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Participants were recruited from a specific community (Montreal) and YMCA, so results may not apply to other settings or populations. The principal investigator led the program and collected data, which introduces a risk of positivity bias, although reflexivity and peer debriefing were used to mitigate this. The study relied on self-reported perceptions of change rather than objective measures of physical or cognitive function. Three participants dropped out, and attendance varied, which may affect the depth of data from those individuals.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the participants' reported improvements in physical, cognitive, and social outcomes as evidence that this specific program causes these changes. The study is qualitative, relies on self-report, and lacks a control group, so it describes experiences and perceptions rather than testing efficacy.