Barriers and enablers to physical activity for individuals living with traumatic brain injury: a mixed methods systematic review.

Background: Despite well-documented benefits of physical activity (PA), people with brain injury face numerous PA barriers. This mixed methods systematic review aimed to summarize barriers and enablers that individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience when participating in PA.

Methods: Primary studies investigating barriers and/or enablers to PA in adults living with TBI were included. Literature search in MEDLINE, EmCare, Embase, PsychINFO, PEDro, and OTSeeker was initially conducted in December 2021 and January 2022, and updated in June 2022. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. A customized data extraction form was utilized. Descriptive synthesis was used to summarize the findings.

Results: Twelve studies of various methodological qualities were identified. Barriers to PA included personal issues, changing health status, external factors, lack of support, and lack of knowledge. Identified enablers included personal drivers, social support, professional support, accessibility, and education.

Conclusions: The shared similarities between barriers and enablers across several themes suggest that multiple barriers may be amenable to change. Given the diverse barriers to PA, health professionals should use person-centered, holistic approach with ongoing review and monitoring, when engaging with individuals with TBI.