During an acquired brain injury rehabilitation, physical therapy and repetitive exercises are performed to activate neuroplasticity, a process that encourages the creation of new neural pathways. These new pathways can help decrease symptoms and restore function. Physical therapy exercises help the patient build physical strength, coordination, balance, and flexibility. These exercises also increase cerebral blood flow, which supplies vital nutrients to the brain. The exercises also encourage brain cell regeneration and promote a positive outlook.
QOLIBRI measures health-related quality of life in people with acquired brain injury
A new tool for measuring health-related quality of life in acquired brain injury rehabilitation. This short assessment measures health-related quality of life and complements objective assessments to help assess individual needs. The tool helps identify individual therapy priorities and evaluate progress over time. It has several advantages over the ICF and is recommended in rehabilitation and clinical trials. In addition, QOLIBRI measures social participation, mood, and disability.
The QOLIBRI was developed by the University of Gottingen methodological center, led by Nicole von Steinbuchel. The SF-36 and QOLIBRI share 1/3 of the variance, but the correlation between the two measures disappears after controlling for the 6 QOLIBRI subscales. The SF-36 measures life’s physical and cognitive aspects, while the QOLIBRI measures emotional state. The overall QOLIBRI score is correlated with the GOSE, the degree of help needed, as well as with the number of comorbid conditions.
The study also found that the severity of TBI was not consistently associated with the self-reported QoL. Using the QOLIBRI-OS, researchers were able to identify health-related issues relevant to traumatically injured individuals, which may make it more appropriate for research on the sequelae of a TBI. However, the researchers noted some limitations of the study.
Outpatient rehabilitation
Occupational therapy is a major component of outpatient rehabilitation for patients with acquired brain injury. It involves working closely with patients, their family members, and health care providers to help them achieve their rehabilitation goals. The primary outcome of rehabilitation is the extent to which each patient achieved the goals they set for themselves throughout the trial. Patients were given a scale to measure their goal attainment, from -2 (worse than expected) to +2 (better than planned). Those who achieved more than 50% of the target achieved were categorized as “improveries.”
Therapy services are provided by a multidisciplinary team that includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and audiologists. A team may also include a dietitian and behavior management training directors. The goal of the rehabilitation program is to help each patient regain independence, reintegrate into the community, and achieve maximum healing. The team will be able to meet the patient’s needs in the least restrictive environment and will work with the patient and family members to address any needs that arise.
