Aerobic Exercise After Traumatic Brain Injury

Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Rehabilitation After Traumatic Brain Injury

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of individualized aerobic exercise regimen on recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI).Investigators will determine if exercise facilitates recovery by facilitating neuroplasticity and decreasing neuroinflammation.

Exercise-based therapies can promote recovery of function and are easily implemented in the clinical rehabilitation setting. This study will determine if exercise facilitates recovery by improving markers of neuroplasticity and decreasing neuroinflammatory responses. The investigators will also determine if variations in genes involved in neuroplasticity, and inflammation influence the responsiveness to exercise and rehabilitation. Recovery will be determined by assessing cognitive function, life quality and balance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All participants will provide informed consent and have to comply with the procedures of the study.
• Age will range from 18 to 60 years.
• Except for the non-injured control group, subjects will be required to have experienced TBI.
• All participants should be fluent in English or Spanish.
• All participants should have the ability to comply with the research protocol.
• Capable of exercising in aerobic exercise equipment (with or without trunk support).
• Able to walk independently with or without a device

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current diagnosis of degenerative neurological disease.
• A history of cerebral vascular accidents.
• A history of major psychosis as defined by DSM-IV.
• Subjects receiving physical therapy in a location that is not CNS.
• Pregnancy.
• A history of previous TBI requiring hospitalization.
• Inability to cooperate
• Orthopedic impairment that compromises exercise performance
• Any cardiovascular or respiratory condition that jeopardizes patient health during exercise.