Analysis of the effect of physical group activities in patients with acquired brain injury in the subacute phase

Introduction. The term acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any kind of non-degenerative injury that occurs in the brain. Group physical activities (GPA) are an effective treatment that improves the functional capacity. Aims. To analyse the efficacy of a GPA programme in persons with ABI in the subacute phase so that they can be reintegrated physically in the community. Patients and methods. Thirty-three patients with ABI, aged 33.18 +/- 10.39 years, took part in a 10-week GPA programme (circuit workshops, simple equilibrium, dual equilibrium, dual displacement and physical-sports activities). At the start and the end of the programme the following variables were evaluated: speed (10-metre walking speed test), resistance (six-minute walk test), dynamic balance (Step Test), functional capacity (Timed Up & Go), safety perception scale (Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale) and Physical Activity and Disability Survey (PADS), the average per hour intensity of the activity and the number of steps outside the rehabilitation centre (using physical activity monitors). The t test for related samples was used to evaluate the differences among the variables. Results. Significant differences were found (p <= 0.05) in the variables speed, resistance, balance, functional capacity, perception of safety, perception of general activity performance (question 3 of the PADS) and number of steps. Conclusions. GPA programmes improve physical capacities, perception of safety, performance of activity in general and the number of steps, which can lead to greater participation in the community.