Piloting a physical activity centred education programme for adults with a brain injury

Primary objective: To pilot test a physical activity centred education (PACE) programme for adults with a brain injury. Research design: Purposive sampling was utilized from a convenience sample of nine adults with a brain injury (five female; four male). Methods and procedures: The sample completed an 8-week health promotion programme focused on improving physical activity behaviours. Participants completed measures of self-efficacy, stage of change and rehabilitation outcomes pre- and post-programme. Descriptive analysis, effect sizes (ES) and percentage change in variables were assessed. Main outcomes and results: Results indicated improved rehabilitation outcomes as participants decreased from moderate to mild limitation (ES = 1.67). Furthermore, participants reported increased self-efficacy (ES = 0.41) and intention to be active. Conclusions and implications: Specialists are challenged to find modes of rehabilitation that improve the health of individuals with a brain injury. Pilot results from the PACE programme indicate that education about physical activity may play an important role in the rehabilitation process and lead to improved health outcomes.