Cognitive rehabilitation after severe traumatic brain injury: A pilot programme of goal planning and outdoor adventure course participation

Alexandra J. Walker*, Margaret Onus, Margaret Doyle, Jennifer Clare, Kathleen McCarthy

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    26 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Primary objective: To describe and evaluate a pilot community based rehabilitation programme for severe brain injury. Research design: A prospective repeated-measures design with a single convenience sample was conducted. Methods and procedures: Eleven participants with a history of severe brain injury completed the programme, which featured an outdoor adventure course, skill development and goal-based learning. In the first stage, practical activities facilitated the development of social skills, group cohesiveness and community integration. The second stage was a 9-day outdoor adventure course, which included physically challenging activities such as camping, bushwalking, abseiling, caving and high rope work. The third stage encouraged individuals to work on the personal goals they had developed. Main outcomes and results: Over 80% of stated goals were achieved; suggesting that such a programme may be effective in enabling clients to attain specified goals. Conclusions: The programme shows promise as a form of community rehabilitation.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1237-1241
    Number of pages5
    JournalBrain Injury
    Volume19
    Issue number14
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2005

    Keywords

    • Cognitive rehabilitation
    • Community rehabilitation
    • Goal planning
    • Outward bound
    • Traumatic brain injury

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