INTRODUCTION
Traumatic brain injuries are a complex, multi-factorial condition with an array of symptoms and associated disabilities, which presents an issue with establishing a single definition. In 2009, the Concussion in Sport Group (CSP) strove to establish a broad yet accurate definition of traumatic brain injuries (Len and Neary). According to the CSP, the four qualities of traumatic brain injuries are, “a direct blow to the head with an impulsive transmission to the head, rapid onset of short-lived (or long term) neurologic dysfunction, neuropathologic changes but clinical symptoms reflect a functional disturbance rather than a structural one, graded set of symptoms that may include loss of consciousness… resolution of clinical and cognitive
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Over fifty percent of patients suffering from a traumatic accident report significant cognitive dysfunction within the first year following the incident (Shen, Zhang, Dong et. al.). The abnormal cognitive manifestations of a traumatic brain injury include: impaired memory, delayed reaction time, decreased spatial learning, impaired executive functioning, and cognitive fatigue. The neurocognitive degradations in reaction time and visual memory are directly related to the high levels of depression often experienced following a traumatic brain injury (Kontos, Covassin, Elbin, et. al). Many current tests fail to accurately detect cerebral dysfunction in mild TBIs; however, the functional cognitive impairments are still present as these subjects perform significantly lower in working memory tasks (Gosselin, Botarri, Chen, et. al.). This indicates all traumatic brain injuries, even mild ones, cause significant cognitive …show more content…
In a revolutionary study, Grealy, Johnson, and Rushton proposed exercise improved the visual and verbal learning memory, reaction times, and movement speed in patients suffering from a traumatic brain injury. Further research has shown exercise is especially beneficial for patients with traumatic brain injury as it improves cerebrovascular regulation, stimulates neuroplasticity, and provides neuroprotection. However, these effects may be affected by the intensity and delay of time in which the exercises are initiated. The intervention of aerobic exercise helps improve the cognitive performance of individuals who have recently suffered a traumatic brain