Creating synergies among education/research, practice, and policy environments to build capacity for the scholar role in occupational therapy and physiotherapy in the Canadian context.

Scholarly practice (SP) is considered a key competency of occupational therapy and physiotherapy. To date, the three sectors-education/research, practice, and policy/regulation-that support SP have been working relatively independently. The goals of this project were to (a) understand how representatives of the three sectors conceptualize SP; (b) define each sector's individual and collective roles in supporting SP; (c) identify factors influencing the enactment of SP and the specific needs of how best to support SP; and (d) co-develop goals and strategies to support SP across all sectors. We used interpretive description methodology. Consistent with an integrated knowledge translation approach, partners representing the three sectors across Canada recruited individuals from each sector, developed the content and questions for three focus groups, and collected and analyzed the data. Inspired by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we developed the questions for the second focus group. We analyzed the data using an inductive thematic analysis method. Thirty-nine participants from the three sectors participated. Themes related to participants' conceptualization of SP included (a) ongoing process, (b) reflective process, (c) broad concept, and (d) collective effort. Themes describing factors influencing and supporting SP were (a) recognition, (b) appropriate conceptualization, (c) social network, (d) accessibility to resources, and (e) forces outside of practitioners' effort. Goals to support SP included (a) further recognizing SP, (b) sustaining SP competency, and (c) ensuring access to information. SP requires collaborative and integrated intersectoral support and further recognition of its importance through the collaboration of multiple stakeholders.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community-based brain injury associations across Canada: a cross-sectional survey study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic created new difficulties for people living with brain injury, their families, and caregivers while amplifying the challenges of community-based associations that support them. We aimed to understand the effects of the pandemic on clients who live with brain injury, as well as on the provision of community brain injury services/programs in Canada. Methods: Online cross-sectional survey conducted in January 2022. Representatives of brain injury associations across Canada completed the 31 open- and closed-ended questions about meeting clients' needs, addressing public health guidelines, and sustaining the association. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (close-ended questions) and qualitative content analysis (open-ended questions). Results: Of the 45 key representatives from associations in Pacific/Western (40%), Central (56%), and Atlantic Canada (4%), the majority were paid executive directors (67%). Participants reported that the most frequent psychosocial challenges experienced by their clients during the pandemic were social isolation (98%), loneliness (96%), and anxiety (93%). To alleviate these challenges, associations implemented wellness checks and psychosocial support. Most respondents (91%) affirmed that clients faced multiple technological barriers, such as a lack of technological knowledge and financial resources for devices and/or internet. In the open-ended questions, twenty-nine (64%) associations reported providing clients with devices, technology training, and assistance. Regarding public health measures, thirty (67%) respondents reported that clients had challenges understanding and/or following public health guidelines. Forty-two associations (93%) provided tailored information to help clients understand and comply with public health measures. Although associations (67%) received pandemic-related funding from the Canadian government they still struggled with the association's sustainability. Thirty-four (76%) lost funding or financial resources that prevented them from delivering programs or required the use of reserve funds to continue to do so. Only 56% reported receiving sufficient funding to address additional COVID-19-related expenses. Conclusion: Although the pandemic added further challenges to the sustainability of brain injury associations across Canada, they quickly adapted services/programs to respond to the increasing and varied needs of clients, while complying with protective measures. To ensure community associations' survival it is essential to aptly recognize the vital role played by these associations within the brain injury care continuum.

Lack of association between four biomarkers and persistent post-concussion symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury.

Approximately 15 % of individuals who sustained a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) develop persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). We hypothesized that blood biomarkers drawn in the Emergency Department (ED) could help predict PPCS. The main objective of this project was to measure the association between four biomarkers and PPCS at 90 days post mild TBI. We conducted a prospective cohort study in seven Canadian EDs. Patients aged ≥ 14 years presenting to the ED within 24 h of a mild TBI who were discharged were eligible. Clinical data and blood samples were collected in the ED, and a standardized questionnaire was administered 90 days later to assess the presence of symptoms. The following biomarkers were analyzed: S100B protein, Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), cleaved-Tau (c-Tau) and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP). The primary outcome measure was the presence of PPCS at 90 days after trauma. Relative risks and Areas Under the Curve (AUC) were computed. A total of 595 patients were included, and 13.8 % suffered from PPCS at 90 days. The relative risk of PPCS was 0.9 (95 % CI: 0.5-1.8) for S100B ≥ 20 pg/mL, 1.0 (95 % CI: 0.6-1.5) for NSE ≥ 200 pg/mL, 3.4 (95 % CI: 0.5-23.4) for GFAP ≥ 100 pg/mL, and 1.0 (95 % CI: 0.6-1.8) for C-Tau ≥ 1500 pg/mL. AUC were 0.50, 0.50, 0.51 and 0.54, respectively. Among mild TBI patients, S100B protein, NSE, c-Tau or GFAP do not seem to predict PPCS. Future research testing of other biomarkers is needed to determine their usefulness in predicting PPCS.

An At-Home, Virtually Administered Graded Exertion Protocol for Use in Concussion Management: Preliminary Evaluation of Safety and Feasibility for Determining Clearance to Return to High-Intensity Exercise in Healthy Youth and Children With Subacute Concussion.

Graded exertion testing (GXT) is an important tool for concussion management, as it is used to personalize post-concussion exercise prescription and return athletes to sport. However, most GXT requires expensive equipment and in-person supervision. Our objective was to assess the safety and feasibility of the Montreal Virtual Exertion (MOVE) protocol, a no-equipment, virtually compatible GXT, in healthy children and children with subacute concussion. The MOVE protocol consists of seven stages of bodyweight and plyometric exercises performed for 60 sec each. Twenty healthy (i.e., non-concussed) children completed the MOVE protocol virtually over Zoom Enterprise. Next, 30 children with subacute concussion (median: 31.5 days post-injury) were randomized to the MOVE protocol or Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT), which increases the incline or speed of the treadmill every minute until maximum exertion. Out of an abundance of caution, all concussed participants completed the MOVE protocol in an in-person clinical space. However, the test evaluator was stationed in a different room within the clinic and administered the MOVE protocol using Zoom Enterprise software to mimic telehealth conditions. Safety and feasibility outcomes were recorded throughout GXT, including heart rate, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and symptom outcomes. No adverse events were recorded, and all feasibility criteria were successfully met in healthy youth and youth with concussion. Among concussed youth, increases in heart rate (MOVE: 82.4 ± 17.9 bpm, BCTT: 72.1 ± 23.0 bpm; t(28) = 1.36, p = 0.18), RPE (MOVE: 5.87 ± 1.92, BCTT: 5.07 ± 2.34, t(28) = 1.02, p = 0.32), and overall symptom presentation were similar between the MOVE and BCTT protocols. The MOVE protocol is a safe and feasible GXT in healthy youth and youth with subacute concussion. Future studies should assess the fully virtual administration of the MOVE in children with concussion, MOVE protocol tolerability in children with acute concussion, and whether the MOVE protocol can be used to guide individualized exercise prescription.

Exploring a peer-based physical activity program in the community for adults with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of program mentors, participants, and employees involved in a peer-based physical activity (PA) program for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI, being piloted by a community fitness center, to develop the program as a measurable intervention. RESEARCH DESIGN: We adopted an exploratory case study approach through an interpretivist paradigm, which focused on discovering realities about the peer-based PA program across the study participants' views, backgrounds, and experiences. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with nine adult program participants (3 peer mentors, 6 participants), and three program employees. Inductive content analysis was used to develop themes about their perceived experiences. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: 44 open-codes were grouped into 10 subthemes and three final themes: 1) program impacts identified the importance of the program in daily life and resulting psychological, physical, and social outcomes; 2) program characteristics highlighted program leaders, accessibility, and social inclusion; 3) program sustainability included program adherence, benefits for the center, and the program's future. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions of program experiences and outcomes identified how peer-based PA for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI can lead to meaningful activities, functioning better, and buy-in from all parties. Implications for research and practice related to supporting health-related behaviors after TBI through group-based, autonomy-supporting approaches are discussed.

SWOT analysis of a physical activity intervention delivered to outpatient adults with a mild traumatic brain injury.

Objectives: Physical activity interventions are effective to reduce the symptoms and recovery time after a mild traumatic brain injury; such interventions are not always embedded in all interdisciplinary outpatient settings. Service providers of a specialized rehabilitation program recognized the need to implement emerging evidence-based approaches to improve physical activity delivery. Understanding the perceptions of managers, clinicians, and users regarding the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the current physical activity intervention delivered to outpatient adults with a mild traumatic brain injury could inform local and widespread intervention development, enhancement, and implementation of evidence-based physical activity interventions. Methods: This study used a descriptive qualitative design using a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat analysis framework. Managerial staff (n = 3), clinicians (n = 6), and program users (n = 5) with persisting symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury from an outpatient specialized public rehabilitation program in Québec (Canada) participated. Individual semi-structured interviews were performed, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Results: Participants were generally positive about the intervention but expressed that improvement was required. Strengths (n = 15), weaknesses (n = 17), opportunities (n = 12), and threats (n = 6) related to eight overarching categories: physical activity intervention, health-related outcomes, clinical expertise, knowledge translation, communication, user engagement, resources, and accessibility. Category descriptions, convergent and divergent perspectives, and salient quotes of participants are provided. Conclusions: Participants were generally positive about the intervention (e.g., format) but identified weaknesses (e.g., need for service providers to better describe the physical activity intervention using theoretically driven approaches). Consultations of stakeholders will inform future intervention enhancement efforts and assist in ensuring interventions meet user needs.

Participatory co-creation of an adapted physical activity program for adults with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.

Background: Research about using physical activity (PA) to improve health, quality of life, and participation after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is receiving growing attention. However, best-practices for maintaining PA participation after TBI have yet to be defined. In this context, a team of researchers and stakeholders with a moderate-to-severe TBI (including program participants and peer mentors) participated in a co-creation process to optimize a 9-month, 3-phased, community-based, adapted PA program named TBI-Health. Purpose: The study aimed to provide a detailed account of the participation in and co-creation of a new TBI-Health Program to enhance sport and exercise participation for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI. Specifically, we carried out an in-depth exploration of the perceived experiences and outcomes of users over one cycle of the program to assist the co-creation process. Methods: An interpretive case study approach was used to explore the experiences and outcomes of the participatory co-creation within and across phases of the TBI-Health program. A purposeful sample of fourteen adults with moderate-to-severe TBI (program participants n = 10; peer mentors n = 4) were involved in audio-recorded focus groups after each program phase. Reflexive thematic analyses within and across the phases identified three higher-order themes. Results: Program Participation included barriers, facilitators, sources of motivation and suggested modifications to optimize the program; Biopsychosocial Changes highlighted perceived physical, psychological, and social outcomes, by self and others, that resulted from program participation; PA Autonomy emphasized transitions in knowledge, sex- and gender-related beliefs, and abilities related to exercise and sport participation. Conclusions: Study findings suggest the TBI-Health program can increase autonomy for and reduce barriers to PA for adults with moderate-to-severe TBI, which results in increased PA participation and important physical, psychological, and social benefits. More research is needed about the TBI-Health program with larger samples.

A Remotely Delivered Progressive Walking Intervention for Adults With Persistent Symptoms of a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Feasibility and Exploration of Its Impact.

Introduction: Persistent post-concussion symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can impact function and participation of adults. Physical activity is recommended to reduce symptoms and foster return to normal activities. Adults with a mTBI may have personal factors or experience accessibility issues restricting physical activity. Walking is a physical activity accessible to most that could be delivered remotely. Objectives: Determine the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of a remotely delivered progressive walking intervention designed for adults with persistent mTBI symptoms and explore its effects on health-related outcomes. Methodology: This feasibility study using a single-group pre-post mixed methods convergent parallel design was conducted remotely. Adults aged 18-65 years with a mTBI reporting persistent symptoms for ≥3 months were recruited. The 8-week remote progressive walking intervention aimed to increase the weekly number of steps walked by 40% based on a 1-week baseline measured by a Fitbit Inspire 2 activity monitor. Feasibility measures were about the intervention, its remote delivery, safety, and acceptability. Health-related outcomes were post-concussion symptoms, kinesiophobia, mood, sleep, fatigue, and quality of life. Semi-structured exit interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed separately, and results merged, compared, and contrasted. Descriptive statistics and paired samples t-tests were used. The qualitative analyses followed an iterative content analysis approach using reflexivity and triangulation of sources. Results: Twenty adults (16 women) aged 42.5 ± 11.51 years with persisting symptoms for 9.25 ± 6.43 months participated, adhered to 94.38% of sessions, completed the intervention, and found it to be feasible, safe and acceptable. Participants increased weekly total number of steps walked (change = 14,886 ± 18,283; t = 3.55, p = 0.002). Severity of post-concussion symptoms (change = -6.42 ± 10.69; t = -2.62, p = 0.018), kinesiophobia (change = -5 ± 6.86; t = 3.18, p = 0.005), anxiety (change = -1.53 ± 3.01; t = -2.21, p = 0.04), and fatigue (change = -10.21 ± 10.20; t = -4.37, p < 0.001) were reduced, whilst quality of life improved (change = 10.58 ± 13.35; t = 3.46, p = 0.003). Participants' perceptions corroborate most quantitative results; they felt improved self-efficacy about physical activity and provided five key recommendations. Discussion: This study demonstrates the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of the remote 8-week progressive walking intervention, a promising approach to reduce persisting symptoms, improve physical activity level health-related outcomes and quality of life of adults with persistent post-concussion symptoms following a mTBI.

Biomedical Research and Informatics Living Laboratory for Innovative Advances of New Technologies in Community Mobility Rehabilitation: Protocol for Evaluation and Rehabilitation of Mobility Across Continuums of Care.

BACKGROUND: Rapid advances in technologies over the past 10 years have enabled large-scale biomedical and psychosocial rehabilitation research to improve the function and social integration of persons with physical impairments across the lifespan. The Biomedical Research and Informatics Living Laboratory for Innovative Advances of New Technologies (BRILLIANT) in community mobility rehabilitation aims to generate evidence-based research to improve rehabilitation for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to (1) identify the factors limiting or enhancing mobility in real-world community environments (public spaces, including the mall, home, and outdoors) and understand their complex interplay in individuals of all ages with ABI and (2) customize community environment mobility training by identifying, on a continuous basis, the specific rehabilitation strategies and interventions that patient subgroups benefit from most. Here, we present the research and technology plan for the BRILLIANT initiative. METHODS: A cohort of individuals, adults and children, with ABI (N=1500) will be recruited. Patients will be recruited from the acute care and rehabilitation partner centers within 4 health regions (living labs) and followed throughout the continuum of rehabilitation. Participants will also be recruited from the community. Biomedical, clinician-reported, patient-reported, and brain imaging data will be collected. Theme 1 will implement and evaluate the feasibility of collecting data across BRILLIANT living labs and conduct predictive analyses and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify mobility subgroups. Theme 2 will implement, evaluate, and identify community mobility interventions that optimize outcomes for mobility subgroups of patients with ABI. RESULTS: The biomedical infrastructure and equipment have been established across the living labs, and development of the clinician- and patient-reported outcome digital solutions is underway. Recruitment is expected to begin in May 2022. CONCLUSIONS: The program will develop and deploy a comprehensive clinical and community-based mobility-monitoring system to evaluate the factors that result in poor mobility, and develop personalized mobility interventions that are optimized for specific patient subgroups. Technology solutions will be designed to support clinicians and patients to deliver cost-effective care and the right intervention to the right person at the right time to optimize long-term functional potential and meaningful participation in the community. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/12506.

Post-Concussion Symptoms Rule: Derivation and Validation of a Clinical Decision Rule for Early Prediction of Persistent Symptoms after a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common problem. Depending on diagnostic criteria, 13 to 62% of those patients develop persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). The main objective of this prospective multi-center study is to derive and validate a clinical decision rule (CDR) for the early prediction of PPCS. Patients aged ≥14 years were included if they presented to one of our seven participating emergency departments (EDs) within 24 h of an mTBI. Clinical data were collected in the ED, and symptom evolution was assessed at 7, 30 and 90 days post-injury using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire (RPQ). The primary outcome was PPCS at 90 days after mTBI. A predictive model called the Post-Concussion Symptoms Rule (PoCS Rule) was developed using the methodological standards for CDR. Of the 1083 analyzed patients (471 and 612 for the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively), 15.6% had PPCS. The final model included the following factors assessed in the ED: age, sex, history of prior TBI or mental health disorder, headache in ED, cervical sprain and hemorrhage on computed tomography. The 7-day follow-up identified additional risk factors: headaches, sleep disturbance, fatigue, sensitivity to light, and RPQ ≥21. The PoCS Rule had a sensitivity of 91.4% and 89.6%, a specificity of 53.8% and 44.7% and a negative predictive value of 97.2% and 95.8% in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The PoCS Rule will help emergency physicians quickly stratify the risk of PPCS in mTBI patients and better plan post-discharge resources.

Characteristics, Outcomes, Sex and Gender Considerations of Community-Based Physical Activity Interventions after Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review mapped the current evidence about community-based physical activity (PA) interventions for individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and identified the reported health-related outcomes, measurement tools used, and considerations given to sex and gender. METHODS: Searches were conducted in six academic databases for peer-reviewed articles (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and PEDro). PRISMA Scoping Review guidelines were followed. Two reviewers independently screened articles for inclusion and extracted data for the analysis with a modified Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT). Health-related outcomes were classified with domains of the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF). RESULTS: 19 studies were identified. Seven PA intervention types were included. CERT scores varied (M = 12.74, SD = 3.51 items), with limited details for replication. ICF outcomes focused on improving body functions (74%), activities and participation (14%), environmental factors (1%), and other: not covered (11%). Only four studies (21%) stratified their results by sex or gender. CONCLUSIONS: Identified PA interventions from this review revealed common characteristics that led to improved outcomes. Proposed recommendations aim to improve future research and community practice. There is a pressing need for more sex and gender considerations in PA research after moderate-to-severe TBI.

Combining scoping review and concept analysis methodologies to clarify the meaning of rehabilitation potential after acquired brain injury.

PURPOSE: Clinicians make judgments about patients' rehabilitation potential because it is considered by many as a prerequisite for referral to rehabilitation. However, the concept is rarely defined. This research aimed to clarify the concept of rehabilitation potential in the context of acquired brain injury patient referral to post-acute rehabilitation. METHOD: Literature search (conducted in Medline, CINAHL and Embase) and article selection followed a scoping review methodology while a concept analysis methodology guided data extraction and analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen documents met inclusion criteria. Findings suggest four defining attributes of the concept. Rehabilitation potential (1) emerges from clinicians' interpretation of patient characteristics and is influenced by the health care environment, (2) involves the prediction of how a patient might improve with rehabilitation interventions, (3) is a multi-level concept and (4) can change over time. The most critical consequence to assessing a patient's rehabilitation potential is the impact on the patient's opportunity to access post-acute rehabilitation services. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation potential is a concept rooted in clinical reasoning. We propose an operational definition and a conceptual model to provide a solid foundation for future research to advance policy and clinical decision-making regarding equitable access to post-acute rehabilitation.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONRehabilitation potential is a concept rooted in clinical reasoning and emerges from clinicians' prediction of how a patient might improve with rehabilitation interventions.Rehabilitation potential is not a dichotomous concept but a multi-level concept with each level falling along a continuum.It may be inaccurate/inappropriate to definitively state that a patient has or does not have rehabilitation potential, as patients may demonstrate varying levels of rehabilitation potential.Rehabilitation potential can change with time requiring re-assessment to readjust recommendations accordingly with regards to appropriate rehabilitation interventions at any given time.

Factors influencing clinicians' referral or admission decisions for post-acute stroke or traumatic brain injury rehabilitation: A scoping review.

Demand for post-acute stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation outweighs resource availability. Every day, clinicians face the challenging task of deciding which patient will benefit or not from rehabilitation. The objectives of this scoping review were to map and compare factors reported by clinicians as influencing referral or admission decisions to post-acute rehabilitation for stroke and TBI patients, to identify most frequently reported factors and those perceived as most influential. We searched four major databases for articles published between 1946 and January 2021. Articles were included if they reported clinicians' perceptions, investigated referral or admission decisions to post-acute rehabilitation, and focused on patients with stroke or TBI. Twenty articles met inclusion criteria. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework was used to guide data extraction and summarizing. Patient-related factors most frequently reported by clinicians were age, mental status prior to stroke or TBI, and family support. The two latter were ranked among the most influential by clinicians working with stroke patients, whereas age was ranked of low importance. Organizational factors were reported to influence decisions (particularly the availability of post-acute care services) as well as clinicians' characteristics (eg, knowledge). Moreover, clinicians' prediction of patient outcome ranked among the most important driver of referral or admission decisions by clinicians working with stroke patients. Findings highlight the complex nature of decision-making regarding patient selection for rehabilitation and provide insight on important factors that frontline clinicians need to consider when having to make rapid decisions in high-pressured acute care environments.

Advancing social inclusion of people with disabilities through awareness and training activities: A collaborative process between community partners and researchers.

OBJECTIVE: The main objectives were to 1) search and map current disability awareness and training activities in Quebec, Canada, 2) collectively reflect on these practices, and 3) develop a five-year strategic plan. METHODS: We used an integrated knowledge translation approach whereby researchers and community partners were involved in all stages. This project consisted of two sequential phases: 1) an environmental scan (web review and interview) of current practices, and 2) a reflection process with an external expert-facilitator in social transformation. Outcome results and process data are reported. RESULTS: We identified 129 activities (71 training, 58 awareness) from 39 organizations (from 123 organizations initially invited). A wide range of characteristics were collected for each activity which allowed for the identification of gaps. The working group met seven times in one year to discuss results from phase 1 and co-create a five-year strategic plan. Main priorities are 1) the development of a methodology for measuring collective impact and 2) content synchronization of activities. CONCLUSION: Involvement of partners and researchers enabled a concerted and efficient approach to the development of a five-year strategic plan. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A transition committee led by partners will ensure implementation and sustainability of the plan across the province.

Physical Activity Interventions in Rehabilitation Programs for Outpatients With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Introduction: There is limited scientific evidence about the optimal content and parameters of physical activity (PA) interventions for rehabilitation outpatients with persisting symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Clinicians have thus had to develop services based on their expertise, feasibility and patient needs. Objectives: This study aimed to document PA interventions delivered in specialized programs of a Canadian province offering outpatient rehabilitation services for individuals with persisting symptoms of mTBI to inform clinical intervention development and future research. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study using an online survey containing 32 multiple choice and short open-ended questions to be answered by program administrators, with their clinical team's input. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used. Results: Data from 94% of rehabilitation sites (n = 17) revealed that PA interventions are delivered to children (n = 4), adults (n = 15) and older adults (n = 5) with mTBI symptoms lasting ≥1 month to ≥1 year post injury. PA interventions aim to increase participation (n = 14), improve body functions (n = 9), manage persisting mTBI symptoms (n = 5) and improve self-management skills (n = 5) and knowledge (n = 4). Interventions include individual (n = 15) or group-based (n = 12) format, home-programs (n = 7), and teaching/education (n = 6). Most PA interventions include aerobic and resistance exercises. PA dosage parameters vary greatly. Conclusion: Clinical experts use multimodal interventions for rehabilitation program users that target improvement in body functions, participation and symptoms. The results can inform the development, enhancement and evaluation of PA interventions. Studies evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions for this clientele are warranted.

Clinical reasoning underlying acute care occupational therapists' assessment of rehabilitation potential after stroke or brain injury: A constructivist grounded theory study.

INTRODUCTION: In acute care hospitals, clinicians are expected to rapidly provide recommendations regarding patients' rehabilitation potential and candidacy for postacute rehabilitation. Some studies have investigated factors influencing referral to rehabilitation, but few have examined clinical reasoning underlying referral decisions. This study aimed to investigate what occupational therapists were thinking about (factors influencing reasoning), how they reasoned (thought processes) when evaluating stroke or traumatic brain injury patients' rehabilitation potential, and how they decided on referral to postacute rehabilitation. METHODS: Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, the clinical reasoning of 10 acute care occupational therapists working in a large Canadian city was examined. Participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis were performed simultaneously following theoretical sampling procedures. Therapists' thoughts on patients' rehabilitation potential were collected twice (during chart consultation and initial patient assessment) using think-aloud protocols and semi-structured interviews. Constant comparison, memoing, and diagramming methods were employed during coding to help categorisation and conceptualisation. FINDINGS: Numerous patient, clinician, and organisation-related factors were found to influence clinical reasoning. Occupational therapists interpreted these factors in an attempt to (1) predict recovery, (2) estimate rehabilitation potential, and (3) determine rehabilitation candidacy. They used two types of thought processes: (1) building a representation of patients' rehabilitation potential (involving eight steps including gathering and interpreting factors); (2) activating bottom-up and top-down scripts (comparing the expected impact of impairments on activity performance to behaviours observed during activity performance). Furthermore, an algorithm was developed describing how occupational therapists decide on referral to postacute rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Findings can be used to teach students and novice occupational therapists how to identify and interpret key factors in the assessment of stroke or traumatic brain injury patients' rehabilitation potential. Results also provide insight on cognitive processes that can be taught for efficient assessment of rehabilitation potential and decision-making regarding referral to postacute rehabilitation.

Physical Activity Interventions for Individuals With a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury:: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: To document the characteristics, measured outcomes, and effectiveness of physical activity (PA) interventions designed to improve health-related outcomes in individuals with a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) to assist in rehabilitation quality improvement efforts of a TBI rehabilitation program. METHODS: A scoping review following a 6-step iterative framework search across 5 databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscuss, and EMBASE) and the gray literature (Google) was performed. Selected PA interventions were designed for individuals of all ages and any mechanism of injury (eg, sports-related and falls). Data were charted, collated, and summarized according to the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template checklist and domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Involvement of clinical experts ensured tailoring of the knowledge synthesis to meet clinical needs. RESULTS: Thirty-five articles and 14 gray literature records were retained. Five types of PA interventions were identified with the majority being multimodal. Reporting of PA intervention characteristics was highly variable across studies; many details necessary for intervention replication are missing. Study outcomes focused primarily on improving body functions and symptoms of mTBI, and less frequently on activities, participation, and health-related quality of life. The methodological quality of studies varies. CONCLUSIONS: Identified PA intervention types offer various management options for healthcare providers. PA interventions may improve a wide range of health-related outcomes supporting the inclusion of PA in the management of individuals of all ages with mTBI. Higher-quality research and better reporting about intervention characteristics is however needed.

Community-Based Physical Activity Interventions for Individuals with Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Scoping Review Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Long-term physical, cognitive, and psychosocial problems resulting from moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can prevent individuals from returning to preinjury lifestyles because of significant challenges with employment, leisure, and relationships. While physical activity (PA) is proposed as a cost-effective method to alleviate problems after moderate to severe TBI, there is no review to date that synthesizes the evidence for PA in the community-based context. Further, although sex- and gender-based considerations in research are considered requisite to good science, there is no review on PA and TBI that has included this explicit focus. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to map and synthesize the current evidence identified through a systematic search of community-based PA interventions for individuals of all ages with moderate to severe TBI and provide an overview of that evidence by asking the following research questions: (1) what are the characteristics of community-based PA programs for individuals with moderate to severe TBI, (2) what are the reported health-related outcomes and measurement tools used to evaluate them, and (3) what considerations have been given to sex and/or gender? METHODS: Searches will be conducted of six academic databases for peer-reviewed articles. Two reviewers will independently screen the articles for inclusion and extract data for the analysis. The extracted data will be coded according to the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template checklist and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist to provide sufficient detail for replication. RESULTS: The abstract screening was completed by two reviewers and the extracted data were analyzed. A qualitative synthesis and description of community-based PA interventions for individuals with moderate to severe TBI will be provided. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review will generate new knowledge from published and publicly available literature. Dissemination of the results will include activities related to knowledge transfer for community-based PA after moderate to severe TBI for future research and practice. Evidence-based recommendations, future directions, potential limitations, use of online/digital components, and the possible need for a systematic review will be discussed as well. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/24689.

Exploring the impact of a clinical dance therapy program on the mobility of adults with a neurological condition using a single-case experimental design.

BACKGROUND: This study built upon previous quasi-experimental design research studying the effectiveness of a 12-week dance therapy program for persons with a physical disability (DTPD) aiming to improve mobility. METHODS: We conducted a single-case experimental design (SCED), including pre- and post-interventions measures, with seven participants with repeated measures during pre-dance (A1), dance program (B) and post-dance phases (A2). RESULTS: Five participants completed the study and significantly (p < 0.05) improved their scores on the MiniBESTest; 2/5 and 4/5 improved scores for the 4 Square Step Test and the Multidirectional Reach Test-Behind, respectively, with very large effect size (ES). Aggregated ES (A1-A2) went from moderate to very large. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the effectiveness of the DTPD program for adults with neurological conditions, and for the use of SCED to explore effectiveness of dance interventions for heterogeneous cohorts.