Physical Fitness

A physical activity program for individuals with brain injury (BI) – setting and feasibility analysis.

This project will review information to help determine how best to deliver effective physical activity-based programs to individuals with brain injury.

Supports and barriers to exercise for adults living with brain injury in a supportive community setting: An exploratory study.

This study seeks to understand the real-life impacts of increased fitness on residents’ daily lives, and factors that support and challenge residents’ interest and participation in exercise and fitness.

Physical fitness for elder stroke survivors: Proven benefit, limited access.

This study seeks to understand physical and other functional outcomes from participation in an intensive exercise program for Lexington elders with stroke. The study is supported by a grant from the Dana Home Foundation.

Cognitive Fitness

Benefits of cognitive exercise on health and function of chronic brain injury survivors.

As a follow-up to the recently completed pilot study measuring the feasibility and benefits of daily computer-based cognitive ‘exercise’ on the health and function of chronic brain injury survivors, clinical program development is in process across all SLI houses, which will be followed by research on benefits of cognitive exercise on health and function of chronic brain injury survivors. These clinical program developments include: 1) greater staff/volunteer emphasis on the cognitive stimulation associated with ALL activities in which SLI residents participate; 2) mounting and use of a white board/bulletin board in each resident’s room for orientation and scheduling purposes; and 3) expansion of the clinical data that Advocates collects on each SLI resident annually.

Policy and Management

A pilot study of cost-effectiveness of residential services and supports for adults with chronic moderate-to- severe acquired brain injury.

This study seeks to understand universal standards of residential care and supports for chronic brain injury, functional and health-related quality of life outcomes over time, and cost-effectiveness of the care provided.

Testing Innovative Interventions to Improve Relational Care for People with Chronic Severe Brain Injury. 

The purpose of this mixed methods study is to identify and pilot-test low-cost interventions (generated by direct care and study staff teams) to improve relational coordination in Massachusetts’ group homes serving people with ABI supported by state and federal funding. This study has received an innovation research grant from Brandeis University’s Office of the Provost.