Brain Gains: A Review of Remediation Treatment Strategies Using Exercise following Traumatic Brain Injury

In this Opinions in the Profession article, we explore remediation treatment strategies using exercise for recovery from post-traumatic brain injury and aim to justify the use of such treatment in the occupational therapy profession to increase skills for functional gain. Common treatment strategies used by occupational therapists after brain injury are compensatory strategies, indicating the client learns a new way to perform the task. Though effective, it is also necessary to consider how remediation and neuroplasticity are essential. Teaching new approaches to complete tasks results in functional gains; however, focusing on foundational skills using exercises to relearn motor patterns to perform the task the way the client did previously is crucial for neuroplasticity. Occupational therapists have an essential role in gathering and interpreting research to consider how exercises physiologically change the brain, therefore creating the potential for improved function. Our profession has a responsibility to strive beyond compensation. We can change the brain to make gains postinjury, and should persist until we see physiological and functional improvement. The connection between motor function and exercise is well-studied; however, this manuscript explores current research and suggests evidence-based treatment strategies to facilitate functional outcomes and remediation after brain injury.