Home-Based Walking for Thinking Skills in Persons With TBI

Summary

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effects of a home-based 3-month long walking exercise program on cognitive (thinking) performance in persons with TBI. As a participant, you will complete this 3-month exercise program now or after a 3-month wait period.

Detailed Description

This study involves no in-person visits to Kessler Foundation and takes place at home. The first study activity will last about 1 hour in total and will involve using videoconferencing software (Zoom) to take tests of thinking (e.g., matching shapes and number, learning a list of words). You will then complete several brief questionnaires about everyday activities and TBI symptoms over the computer. You will then be randomly picked (like the flip of a coin) by a computer to participate in one of two groups. You will have a 50/50 chance of being placed in either group. One group will complete 3-months of walking exercise at home. The exercise program is based on activity guidelines for people with TBI and will be monitored by a trained exercise leader. You will be asked to walk 3 times per week. The first two weeks will require you to walk for 10 minutes at a time, and that duration will increase throughout the 3-months. You will have a dedicated trainer to help get started, answer questions, and support you throughout the programs. You will have regular meetings with this trainer by video conference (Zoom). You will be sent a FitBit to wear on your wrist while exercising to track your steps, and that you will be allowed to keep when the study ends. The other group will stick to a regular routine during this 3-month period (i.e., wait-list group). At the end of the 3-month exercise program, you will repeat the thinking tests and questionnaires. The wait-list group will be given the exercise prescription after this last Zoom session.

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions