Recreational physical activities among children with a history of severe traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE

To describe leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and physical capabilities such as balance, muscle strength and walking performance and to evaluate the associations between physical capabilities and LTPA among children post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) as compared to a peer group of typically-developed (TD) controls.

PARTICIPANTS

Convenience sample of 15 children, 1.5-7 years post-severe TBI and 15 age- and sex-matched controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: LTPA by the Godin and Shephard (G&S) questionnaire. Balance tests-the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and functional reach test (FRT). Maximal isometric strength was assessed by using a hand-held dynamometer; walking dynamics were recorded by an electronic mat and the 6 minute walk test and energy expenditure index (EEI). Perceived exertion was rated by the OMNI scale.

RESULTS

Children post-severe TBI participate significantly less in LTPA as compared to TD controls (p < 0.01). Walking performance was comparable between groups except for step length which was significantly shorter among children post-TBI. Hip extensor strength and balance performance were significantly lower among children post-TBI. Balance performance was positively associated with LTPA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that attention should be directed towards improving balance performance as part of the training repertoire of children and adolescents with post-severe TBI. The efficacy of such a training programme, in particular its contribution to LTPA participation, should then be further assessed.