Collaborating to Bridge the Benefits of Community Exercise and Recreation Programming after Acquired Brain Injury

Physical activity is beneficial for people experiencing long-term disability after acquired brain injury (ABI). Low levels of physical activity after ABI suggest a need for improved understanding of how to best support people with ABI in regular physical activity participation. To this end, we explored the experiences of people living with ABI during participation in a community exercise and recreational walking program that was developed and delivered as a collaboration between Therapeutic Recreation and Exercise Professionals in partnership with a Provincial Brain Injury Association. The program was delivered to community-dwelling individuals who were discontinued from conventional post-ABI rehabilitation services. Program sessions were offered in an outdoor park during the three-month study timeframe. Sessions alternated between group exercise and recreational walking. An embedded researcher conducted “go-along” interviews with participants during program delivery. Interview data were analyzed via content analysis. A total of 28 interviews were conducted across 13 research participants. Three main themes were identified. Regarding the first theme, “Connection and Growth,” participants noted various reasons for attending the program, ranging from the design of the program specifically for people with ABI and goals to improve varied aspects of well-being. The second theme, “Interdependence,” was reflected by comments about desire to support friends in participating in the program and accountability to others. The third theme, “Sharing Stories,” was corroborated by conversations about life experiences, ranging from memories of pre-ABI activities to post-ABI frustrations and accomplishments. Findings highlight interprofessional contributions and the ABI-specialized approach that underpinned community program success and positive participant experiences.