The Brain Injury Association's Summer 2013 "Heads Up Headlines" Newsletter Features the Benefits of Exercise for TBI Survivors

Among the many great articles in the Massachusetts Brain Injury Association’s Summer 2013 Heads Up Headlines newsletter is one describing the benefits of aerobic exercise for TBI survivors. After prompted by the Achilles Foundation, founded by Hero of Hope Dick Traum, researchers at the Brain Injury Research Center of Mount Sinai analyzed past data and interviews with people suffering from TBIs between 1993 and 1998. Their findings demonstrated that those with TBI who regularly partook in aerobic exercise, that which increases one’s heart and lung capacity, “had fewer physical, emotional and cognitive complaints and symptoms, such as sleep problems, irritability, forgetting, and being discouraged.” Overall, the exercisers appeared to be happier and better able to remember than the non-exercisers. Interestingly, those who exercised had actually sustained more severe TBIs than those who didn’t, combating the assumption that a worse injury would prevent one’s ability to exercise.

While the data focused on aerobic exercise, the researchers also note that other forms of exercise are just as important. Whether it’s yoga, weight training, bowling, golf, or another non-aerobic activity, these all promote relaxation, improved concentration, and muscle fitness.

As Barbara Webster of the BIA follows up in the next article “Three Ingredients for Maintaining a Healthy Brain”, “Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated…talking a walk, walking the dog, doing yard work and even housework are all forms of exercise.” To prove her point, she also notes:

- A 10-minute walk gives you more of an energy boost than a candy bar

- A 15-minute walk stimulates neurogenesis, the formation of new brain cells

- A walk that is 15-20 minutes releases “feel good” endorphins.

While exercise is beneficial for anyone, it appears to be especially important for those recovering from TBIs.

To learn more check out the Heads Up Headlines Summer 2013 issue here.