Inactivity has been shown to increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and even some forms of cancer. The implementation of an aerobic exercise program can be valuable in the prevention of these illnesses.

Traditionally, activities such as running, swimming, bicycling, and speed walking have been used for aerobic exercise. However, the traumatically brain injured person may have deficits in strength, muscle control, balance, coordination, and sensation; making the aforementioned activities unsafe.

In a case study presented by Kinney LaPier, Sirotnak, and Alexander in Physical Therapy (1998;78:417-424); a patient with multiple impairments including traumatic brain injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident 15 years ago was started on an aerobic exercise program using a "non-traditional" mode of exercise that was considered safe. This patient did improve his exercise tolerance at the end of one month.

For more information on this study and to learn more about Physical Therapy in general, you can visit the American Physical Therapy Association's web site at www. apta org.

Stephen Bergsohn, MSPT