Physical activity and perceived barriers in individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.
Tri Pham, Rachel Green, Stephanie Neaves and 6 others
PMID 35596121WHAT IT FOUND
Middle-aged and older adults with traumatic brain injury were less likely to meet physical activity guidelines than younger adults, yet more often reported no barriers.
Younger adults cited fatigue, time constraints, and gym discomfort more frequently.
Key findings
0155% of participants did not meet CDC recommendations for weekly aerobic physical activity.
02Younger adults met physical activity guidelines more often (58%) than middle-aged and older individuals (32%).
03Middle-aged and older adults were significantly more likely to report no barriers to physical activity than younger adults.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
Read the rest of this summary
You get three full summaries a month, free, and we do not ask for a card. Search, the TL;DRs and your library stay unlimited either way.
What it does not show
The survey was distributed electronically, which may have biased the sample toward individuals with higher functioning and resources, potentially underrepresenting those with severe disabilities. Only 21% of eligible participants responded, raising concerns about non-response bias. The RAPA tool was not modified for older adults with comorbidities, who may have different activity guidelines. Data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced reported barriers and activity levels. The study relied on self-report, which may not accurately reflect actual physical activity levels or objectively present barriers. A significant portion of participants reported 'no barriers,' which may reflect a lack of knowledge about guidelines rather than an absence of obstacles.
Declared interests
The study was supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR).
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that older adults with TBI have fewer actual barriers to physical activity simply because they report fewer. Their higher rate of 'no barrier' responses may reflect a lack of knowledge about recommended activity levels rather than an absence of obstacles.