Validity of motor tasks for predicting running ability in acquired brain injury

Abstract

Introduction: Rehabilitation of running following traumatic brain injury (TBI) has the potential to enhance quality of life. Retraining of running following TBI has not been previously reported in the literature. In response to a lack of information about which motor tasks should be included in a retraining programme, this study aimed to investigate performance predictors of running ability. Methods: Forty TBI subjects (20 runners and 20 non-runners) performed four specific motor tasks which were selected on the basis of theory and clinical experience with TBI subjects. The four tasks included bounding onto a leg, walking on toes, stepping backwards up a step, and balancing on one leg. Subje..