Existing research showed that inactivity has negative effects on everyone, but the effects appear to be worse for people with TBI than others who have had a brain injury. Studies also suggested that exercisers with TBI were less depressed and showed improved physical capacity compared to non-exercisers.

Our research has focused on aerobic exercise, like running and swimming, which increases the exerciser's heart and lung capacity. This is clearly an important part of any exercise program. Other forms of exercise, like yoga, walking, weight training, bowling, golf (and other activities that are non-aerobic) also benefit people, but in different ways. These activities may be very relaxing, improve concentration and keep the muscles in shape. Experts advise that it is a good idea to do a variety of exercises - those that promote heart and lung capacity (aerobic), those that strengthen and stretch muscles and those that create relaxation for the person.

A second suggestion is to check out groups and organizations in your community that may provide structured exercise programs, such as schools, the YMCA or YWCA, exercise classes, health clubs, independent living centers and adult education classes. To get started, you might also consider renting or buying an exercise video. Your state or local brain injury association, as well as community and rehabilitation centers may provide helpful information on organized exercise Opportunities. Finding others who are exercising regularly is often a help in getting started with an exercise program.

Sometimes memory problems may get in the way of doing exercise regularly or m remembering the details of an exercise regimen. If this is an issue for you, keeping a calendar as a reminder of when your exercise is scheduled and recording the dates and time you spend exercising may be helpful. In addition, consumers have suggested using index cards that contain specific steps to follow for each set of exercises.

If you are interested in doing aerobic or other exercise, a starting point is to check with your doctor, especially if you have physical challenges, balance problems or other problems or other issues that affect your safety.

Our research revealed a broad range of benefits of aerobic exercise for people with TBI:

• People with TBI who exercised had fewer physical, emotional, and cognitive complaints and symptoms, such as sleep problems, irritability, forgetting and being disorganized.
• Non-exercisers with TBI complained of more cognitive problems or symptoms than those who exercised, suggesting that exercise may improve abilities such as memory, thinking and the like.
• As seen in previous studies, our research showed that exercisers with TBI were less depressed.
• People with TBI who exercised viewed themselves as being healthier than non-exercisers.
• The exercisers more often were engaged in school or work and "got around" the community more freely.
• Exercisers had more severe brain injuries than non-exercisers, suggesting that a severe injury does not prevent engaging in exercise.

(Taken from Ordinary Miracles, a publication of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois)