Effects of Exercise Programs on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in People With Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this systematic review and meta-analyses were to evaluate the effects of exercise on the functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) of people with acquired brain injury (ABI) and to analyze the influence of training variables.

Methods: Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched until October 2021 for clinical trials or experimental studies examining the effects of exercise on the functional capacity and QoL in adults with ABI and comparing exercise interventions with non-exercise (usual care).

Results: Thirty-eight studies were evaluated. A total sample of 2219 people with ABI (exercise, n = 1572; control, n = 647) were included in the quantitative analysis. A greater improvement was observed in walking endurance (z score = 2.84), gait speed (z score = 2.01), QoL physical subscale (z score = 3.42), and QoL mental subscale (z score = 3.00) was observed in the experimental group than in the control group. In addition, an improvement was also observed in the experimental group in the "Timed Up and Go" Test scores and balance without differences from the control group. Significant interactions were also observed between the rehabilitation phases, type, frequency and volume of training, and overall effects.

Conclusion: The results suggest that exercise improves functional capacity and QoL regardless of model training, highlighting the effectiveness of long-term exercise that includes short sessions with components such as strength, balance, and aerobic exercise.

Impact: The results shown in this systematic review with meta-analysis will allow physical therapists to better understand the effects of training on people with ABI.

Keywords: Balance; Physical Endurance; Quality of Life; Stroke; Traumatic Brain Injuries.