Riding waves to improve functioning: a quantitative evaluation of a Surf Week in individuals with chronic phase brain injury with six months follow-up

Denneman, Rosalie P. M.; van Bezeij, Tijs; Kal, Elmar C.; Marshall, Jamie; Pisters, Martijn F.

Abstract

Purpose
Environmental enrichment seems to enable people in the chronic phase of acquired brain injury (ABI) to experience new functional abilities and motor/coping strategies and consequently to become more adaptable which might prevent/reverse functional decline. This study describes the influence of a five-days Surf Week program on participants on physical function, self-efficacy, functional balance performance and self-perceived recovery.

Materials and methods
A multiple-baseline single-case design was used. Adults participating in the Surf Week in chronic phase of ABI were eligible to participate. Participants completed a battery of tests monitoring physical function, self-efficacy, functional balance performance and self-perceived recovery. This battery was repeated 5 times over a 1-year period, two times pre-Surf Week, three times post-Surf Week. Visual data inspection with two non-overlap methods were used to determine if patients showed sustained improvement in outcomes post-intervention.

Results
A moderate to strong indication for improvements on physical function, functional balance performance and self-perceived recovery exists till six months follow-up. No indication was observed on self-efficacy till six months follow-up.

Conclusions
A five-days Surf Week is a physically, cognitively and socially intensive stimulating activity that can positively challenge individuals after ABI and seems to improve physical functioning, functional balance performance and self-perceived recovery.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 14, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Feb 28, 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 5, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2024
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0963-8288
• Electronic ISSN: 1464-5165
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2320265
• Keywords: Brain diseases, rehabilitation, enriched environment, surf therapy, self-efficacy, brain plasticity, community participation
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3586840