Did you know that Exercise can have profound health outcomes for a Traumatic Brain Injury’s care & rehab?

If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you may be wondering what treatments are available to help improve the recovery. One approach that has gained popularity in recent years due to it’s effectiveness is the use of exercise physiology.
Today, we will explore the benefits of exercise physiology for TBIs and how it can be used to improve patient outcomes.
What is exercise physiology?
Exercise physiology is the study of the body’s response to physical activity. It involves understanding how the body adapts to exercise and how exercise can be used to improve health and performance. Exercise physiology has been used for many years to improve outcomes for individuals with various medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, pain, musculoskeletal disorders, obesity & more ,(LEARN MORE ABOUT EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY HERE).
How can exercise physiology help with TBIs?

Exercise physiology is an invaluable tool in the treatment of TBIs. Here are some of the ways that exercise physiology can help:
- Improve cognitive function: Studies have shown that exercise can help promote the growth of new brain cells and increase the production of certain chemicals in the brain, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which can improve memory and learning.
- Improve physical function: TBIs can result in a wide range of physical impairments, including muscle weakness, balance problems, and coordination issues. Exercise can help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, which can help patients regain physical function and reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.
- Improve emotional and behavioural outcomes: Exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are common among individuals with TBIs. Additionally, exercise can help improve sleep quality, which can also have a positive impact on emotional and behavioural outcomes.

What types of exercise can be used for TBIs?
The types of exercise used for TBIs can vary depending on the patient’s specific needs and abilities. Here are some examples:
- Aerobic exercise: This mode of exercise can help improve cardiovascular health and increase blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function.
- Resistance training: This mode of exercise can help improve muscle strength and reduce muscle weakness, which can improve physical function.
- Balance training: This mode of exercise can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, which can help prevent further injuries.
- Individualised interventions: Physical therapy, Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy or occupational therapy can be used to provide more individualised interventions that focus on specific physical impairments.
Summary
Exercise Physiology is an invaluable tool in the treatment of TBIs. It can help improve cognitive function, physical function, and emotional and behavioural outcomes, which can all contribute to better patient outcomes. If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI, consider speaking with a healthcare provider, or your GP about incorporating exercise physiology into your treatment plan. With the right approach, exercise physiology can help you achieve better health, faster recovery & return to activities

If you’re not quite sure how you might use Exercise to manage your TBI, give our friendly Client Experience Team a call, on 1300 364 262 to receive some FREE over the phone advice.
We can provide some insight on the benefits or exercise, what an intervention might look like, or provide some direction to help you take control of your health & achieve your goals today!