Could running help in brain injury recovery?

2017-01-29T14:47:31-05:00

LAWRENCE, Kan. — More than a hundred Fort Riley soldiers are helping University of Kansas researchers study how intense running affects wounded soldiers with mild traumatic brain injury.

What are your thoughts?

David Johnson, who is leading a two-year study, says many soldiers have significant problems with traumatic brain injuries. Many of the injuries are caused by improvised explosive devices and other blasts.

Clinical trials will assess whether intensive cardiorespiratory exercise helps wounded warriors recover from mild traumatic brain injury. Johnson's premise is that aerobic exercise helps the brain heal itself. All the soldiers participating in the study have been exposed to major explosions.

Johnson says soldiers will run to improve their aerobic capacity, with a goal of running more miles more quickly.

The research is supported by $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Defense

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2017 3:21 PM

2017-01-29T15:21:40-05:00

Running could also help those addicted to cigs and drinking feel better about themselves. Why get drunk or high? Your own endorphins in your body can make you have a natural high that will not affect your urinalysis and it will help you on your APFT! I have druggies and drunks on my wife's side of the family. If they worked out instead of always asking for a smoke, they would be healther, live longer and not commit suicide as often. My wife has lost 3 members to suicide and drugs/alchohol in the last 3 years. There is no such thing as responsible drinking even though its required/mandatory training.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2017 5:13 PM

2017-01-29T17:13:13-05:00

the coldest training I experienced in my life occurred at Fort Riley in December/January. Thank you for the reminder.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 29 at 2017 5:55 PM

2017-01-29T17:55:50-05:00

I think so! I was a Navy 5k Runner and I would zone out on My Runs and it did put Me in Better Place.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 29 at 2017 8:11 PM

2017-01-29T20:11:37-05:00

To be honest this may not be a legitimate study which requires a random sampling and a test and control group at least SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
The study should require populations of physically fit and less than physically fit people as well as a statistically significant number of people with traumatic brain injury.
The running should also be distributed so that some run longer than others and things like terrain, distractions, noise levels should also be controlled.
Hopefully cardiovascular exercise will actually help service members and others who experience TBI.