The long road back to physical activity: the experience of people with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: People with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are frequently inactive with increased risk of higher rates of chronic health conditions, mortality and economic burden than peers without TBI. Understanding how this population experience physical activity participation may help us develop better pathways and supports to community-based physical activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using an interpretive description approach, we conducted a secondary analysis of focus group and interview data. Themes were generated in two stages of inductive coding and refined in a workshop by the author team which comprised multidisciplinary researchers, clinicians and people with lived experience of moderate-to-severe TBI. RESULTS: Twenty-two people with moderate-to-severe TBI took part. They experienced physical activity in diverse and often changing ways, reflecting the numerous, powerful tensions that people with TBI are striving to navigate. Four themes were identified: 1. What is my new normal?, 2. Invisible injuries, hidden needs, 3. The long road back to physical activity, and 4. Expanding horizons. CONCLUSIONS: People with moderate-to-severe TBI have to work hard to be physically active. Results indicate that physical activity promotion should include person-centred information and support, appropriate community-based options that go beyond rehabilitation, and insurance funding that recognises the value of life-long physical activity.
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation
Authors: Abby Haynes, Liam Johnson, Rhys Ashpole, Anthony Mamo, Sakina Chagpar, Gavin Williams, Kelly Clanchy, Nick Waters, Gabby Vassallo, Adam Scheinberg, Catherine Sherrington, Sean Tweedy, Kerry West, Leanne Hassett
Institutions: The University of Sydney, Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney Local Health District, The University of Melbourne, Australian Catholic University, Insurance and Care NSW, Epworth Hospital, Griffith University, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4407108952