AAPM&R Publishes Study on Effectiveness of Postacute Rehabilitation

Postacute treatment of patients who have had traumatic brain injury has significantly increased their independence over the last 30 years. It has been very difficult to prove that this treatment is not just “natural recovery” – or that the recovery would not have occurred without treatment. A research article published in April 2013 shows the effectiveness of postacute rehabilitation after TBI.

This study included 1,274 patients who were admitted less than 5 years after their traumatic brain injury.

• They received comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment 5 days per week, 6 hours per day.
• Their level of independence was measured using PERPOS scores at admission and then every two weeks throughout the treatment.
• Significant functional gains were beyond what can be explained by undirected or “natural” recovery.

The article can be read in the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Vol. 5, 319-327, April 2013) or online: “Treatment Effect Versus Pretreatment Recovery in Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Study Regarding the Effectiveness of Postacute Rehabilitation.”