Reducing fatigue following acquired brain injury: A feasibility study of high intensity interval training for young adults

Abstract

The aim was to evaluate feasibility of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in fatigued adults (20–40 years old) with acquired brain injury (ABI). A prospective pre-post single-arm intervention trial was conducted, including 6–8 months follow-up assessment and interview. Intervention was 18 sessions of intermittent exercise on a cycle ergometer over six weeks. Six out of ten participants without motor impairments completed the intervention (all females, mean age = 30.2 years, months post-injury = 22). On average, participants attended 88% of sessions and achieved high intensity (93% of max heart rate). VO2max improved by 0.53 l/min (SD = 0.29), and participants continued exercising post-intervention. All participants were satisfied with HIIT, were more inclined to exercise, and reported positive effects of exercising for self-management of fatigue. Three sessions a week were demanding to some participants. Findings support feasibility of HIIT as a promising intervention for young adults with post-ABI fatigue.