Effect of low-intensity group exercises (Neuro walks) on mood and general wellbeing for service users with Complex Brain Injury at the Inpatient Rehabilitation Centre

Purpose and relevance: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative (Group Exercises-Neuro Walks) on mood and general wellbeing among Neuropsychiatry inpatients with complex brain injury. The benefits of exercise post-ABI are substantial; however, most ABI survivors do not participate in the minimum recommended amount (Reavenall & Blake, 2010). Methodology: Neuro Walks – group exercises were introduced on three inpatient wards. This project used a quantitative method. Changes in mood were measured by comparing self-reported data on the Ottawa Mood Scale prior to and post each Neuro Walk session. Changes in participants’ general wellbeing were measured by comparing session attendance and amount of leave before and after. Results and conclusion: The repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of exercise on mood scores. The paired sample t-test revealed a significant increase in session attendance and the amount of patient leave. The findings suggest that engaging in low-intensity group exercise leads to immediate improvements in mood, increased session attendance, and patient leave off the ward. This is consistent with previous research (Saunders et al., 2014; Norris et al., 2013). Limitations of the project included the lack of a control group and the use of self-report measures for assessing mood. Future research could explore the long-term effects of exercise on mood and investigate potential moderators of the exercise-mood relationship.