Feasibility and clinical outcomes of a high-intensity physical rehabilitation programme (REHABILITY) for children and adolescents with acquired brain injury

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a high-intensity physical rehabilitation programme for children and adolescents with acquired brain injury (ABI) during inpatient rehabilitation. We also explored changes in outcomes of physical and cognitive functioning by structured monitoring of recovery trajectories with a coreset of clinical outcome measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective case-series design was used. Fourteen children and adolescents aged 6-20 years (mean 14,1 years, SD 2,7) with ABI were included. Feasibility and safety data were collected from children, parents and professionals, alongside measures of physical and cognitive functioning.

RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of the 14 participants achieved the minimum of 3 h of physical activity per day (median 3h09m, IQR 1h33m). Improvements were observed on measures of physical and cognitive functioning. No adverse events were reported, indicating safety of the programme. The programme was well accepted by both families and professionals.

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicates that it is feasible and safe for children and adolescents with ABI during subacute rehabilitation to engage in high levels of physical activity (>3h p/day). We provide a foundation for future larger-scale studies on effectiveness of increased dosage of physical rehabilitation on daily functioning and participation of children and adolescents with ABI.