Factors that influence functional mobility outcomes of patients post - traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of traumatic brain injury was reported to be 360 per 100 000 in South Africa. The consequences of traumatic brain injury include physical, cognitive, psychological, behavioural and emotional deficits. Prognostic factors such as age, mechanism of injury and severity of injury as well as medical history (extent of intervention) assist in determining the outcome of the patient. It is believed that the predictors of recovery assist both the patient as well as family members in determining the duration of rehabilitation as well as potential outcomes for the patient. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence the functional mobility outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury. Method: A cross sectional study was used to collect data where participants were assessed pre-discharge. A self designed questionnaire was administered by the interviewer and the Modified Mini Mental State questionnaire and the Rivermead Mobility Index were also administered. Results: Of the 60 participants, 56 were male and four were female. Half of the patients were able to walk indoors with an assistive device at the time of assessment, with only 36.7 percent of the patients having a higher functional level than walking indoors. The following factors increased the likelihood of functional mobility: the gender of the patient, Grade 12 education, being either self employed or unemployed, an income of between R800 and R2000 as well as more than R5000, having both bowel and bladder continence and Occupational therapy sessions. Factors that were found to have a negative influence on functional mobility include: age, premorbid smoking and drinking, having a craniotomy and physiotherapy sessions. Conclusion: Male gender, high education, being either self employed or unemployed, high income, bowel and bladder continence positively impacted on the functional mobility of the patient on discharge. Older age, premorbid smoking and drinking, having a craniotomy has a negative impact on the physical function of the patient with traumatic brain injury on discharge.