Treatment Optimization of Brain-injured Warfighters: A Prescribed Sub-symptomatic Exercise Treatment
United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego
Summary
Prescribed sub-symptomatic adaptable exercise treatment (SAET) is a potential solution that promotes recovery needs following a TBI. SAET has been shown to benefit the mind and body in ways that decrease the severity and frequency of mild TBI (mTBI) symptoms. This study aims to validate SAET as an alternative, adaptable treatment or SMs with mTBI that focuses on reducing symptoms, improving mental health, increasing physiological functioning, and ultimately returning to duty. The objective of this study is to develop a prescribed exercise treatment program for warfighters with mTBI that can be personalized for SM's needs (i.e., medical and occupational) and is adaptable to various clinical resources (e.g., forward operating bases, rural clinics, and mTBI specialty programs). The key question raised by this study is whether SAET is more effective than a stretching control group (SCG) in reducing neurobehavioral symptoms among SMs with persistent complaints following a mTBI.
Description
The study will be a randomized clinical trial among active duty service members (SMs) with persistent cognitive complaints following mTBI, comparing a prescribed sub-symptomatic adaptable exercise treatment (SAET) to an active stretching control group (SCG). SAET's overall effectiveness will be assessed by neurobehavioral symptom resolution. Additional exploratory aims will include cognitive performance, physiological adaptation and locomotion as well as functional changes in military performance. These items will be addressed in the following aims. Primary Aim: To determine whether SAET is…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Active duty, male or female, ages 18 to 55 * History of at least one mTBI sustained more than 1 month ago * Service members (SMs) with ongoing symptoms Exclusion Criteria: * SMs who sustained a TBI of any severity within 1 month of enrollment * History of moderate, severe, or penetrating TBI * Current substance use disorder * History of a neurological disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis, cerebral vascular accident, brain tumor, neurodegenerative disease, or neuro-motor disorder) * An acute orthopedic injury that limits the capacity to complete study procedures
Interventions
- BehavioralSub-symptomatic Adaptable Exercise Treatment (SAET)
Each workout will be structured in a similar format. The first 5 minutes will be devoted to stretching and warm up exercises. Then the next 20 minute segment devoted to light to moderate aerobic exercise. The second 20 minutes of each exercise session will be composed of a series of 5 predetermined exercises that rotate every day. Each workout will have one or two alternatives that the patient can complete either for modification to accommodate a physical limitation or to optimize preference. Resistance training each day will include multi-joint functional movements along with stability work. The last five minutes of the session will include more mobility work, and/or cooling down.
- BehavioralStretching Control Group (SCG)
Each workout will be 50-60 minutes long and participants are instructed to not do any other type of exercise that may elevate their heart rate. Modifications will be available for stretches that may be too advanced for the individual.
Location
- Intrepid Spirit CenterCamp Pendleton, California