Activity and rest in patients with severe acquired brain injury: an observational study

Objective To examine activity levels, types of activities and their distribution across the day in patients with severe acquired brain injury including disorders of consciousness admitted to subacute neurorehabilitation. Methods In this observational cross-sectional study, a modified behavioural mapping tool was used to document activity of patients admitted to a specialized rehabilitation ward for three consecutive days from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm. Observers walked a fixed route and returned to each patient every 10 min. Results Complete data was obtained in 1722/1728 observations on eight patients. Patients were registered as being in any activity in 55.6% and resting or sleeping in 30.3% of all observations. Patients were alone for 50.4% and were lying or sitting for 98.5% of the time. The major part (45%) of rehabilitation activities occurred during the morning before noon. The odds of being engaged in a rehabilitation activity were significantly different from afternoon and evening p = 0.02. Patients with higher function were more active. Conclusion Patients with severe ABI were involved in some kind of activity for more than half the day and resting approximately 1/3 of the day. Health personnel and visitors were present in most activities.

Automated summary

This study examined activity levels, types of activities and their distribution throughout the day in patients with severe acquired brain injury during subacute neurorehabilitation. The results showed that patients were engaged in activities for more than half of the day, with a majority of rehabilitation activities occurring in the morning. Patients with higher function were more active.