Effect of Obesity on Motor Functional Outcome of Rehabilitating Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

The impact of body mass index on rehabilitation outcomes after lower limb amputation

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of obesity on physical function and clinical outcome measures in patients who received inpatient rehabilitation services for lower extremity amputation.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on patients with lower extremity amputation (n = 951). Patients were stratified into five categories adjusted for limb loss mass across different levels of healthy body mass index (BMI), overweight, and obesity. Outcomes included the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument functional scores (GG section), discharge home, length of stay (LOS), therapy time, discharge location, medical complications and acute care readmissions. Deep learning neural networks (DLNNs) were developed to learn the relationships between adjusted BMI and discharge home.

RESULTS

The severely obese group (BMI > 40 kg/m2) demonstrated 7%-13% lower toileting hygiene functional scores at discharge compared to the remaining groups (p < .001). The severely obese group also demonstrated 8%-9% lower sit-to-lying and lying-to-sitting bed mobility scores than the other groups (both p < .001). Sit-to-stand scores were 16%-21% worse and toilet transfer scores were 12%-20% worse in the BMI > 40 kg/m2 group than the other groups (all p < .001). Walking 50 ft with two turns was most difficult for the BMI > 40 kg/m2 group, with mean scores 7%-27% lower than the other BMI groups (p = .011). Wheelchair mobility scores for propelling 150 ft were worst for the severely obese group (4.9 points vs. 5.1-5.5 points for all other groups; p = .021). The LOS was longest in the BMI > 40 group and shortest in the BMI < 25 group (15.0 days vs. 13.3 days; p = .032). Logistic regression analysis indicated that BMI > 40 kg/m2 was associated with lower odds risk (OR) of discharge-to-home (OR = 0.504 [0.281-0.904]; p < .022). DLNNs found that adjusted BMI and BMI category were ranked 11th and 12th out of 90 model variables in predicting discharge home.

CONCLUSION

Patients with severe obesity (>40 kg/m2) achieved lower functional independence for several tasks and are less likely to be discharged home despite higher therapy volume than other groups. If a patient is going home, obesity will pose unique demands on the caregivers and resources can be put in place to help reintegrate the patient into life.

Mobility and self-care outcomes in patients with a bariatric comorbidity during inpatient rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

First, we describe the characteristics and functional outcomes of obese and bariatric patients in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). Second, we assessed differences in functional outcomes for bariatric, obese, and standard weight body mass index (BMI) groups. Third, we explored whether these characteristics differ between time periods and diagnostic groups.

DESIGN

A retrospective study comparing electronic medical record data collected in 2016 and 2018, using a repeated cross-sectional cohort design.

SETTING

IRF.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals ≥18 years of age diagnosed with brain injury, medical complexity, general neurology, orthopedic, spinal cord injury (SCI), and stroke. Participants grouped as standard (BMI <30 kg/m2), obese (BMI 30-39 kg/m2), and bariatric (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) weights. (N = 2015 in 2016, N = 2768 in 2018.) INTERVENTIONS: Patients received standard inpatient rehabilitation. In 2018, clinicians had access to new weight-appropriate equipment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Discharge destination; length of stay (LOS) by BMI group and medical diagnoses; item-specific functional independence measure (FIM) change scores.

RESULTS

Sixty-four percent to 67% of all BMI groups achieved a home discharge. The bariatric BMI group had a longer LOS (21 days) than the standard or obese groups. There was a significant interaction in a linear regression analysis between diagnosis and LOS, where LOS was longer in medically complex patients with bariatric BMI (19.3 days compared to 16.1 days) but shorter in bariatric patients with SCI (20.6 days) compared to standard weight patients (26.2 days). In 2018, the bariatric BMI group had greater average FIM change scores for bathing, lower body dressing, toilet transfers, and bed transfers.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient BMI is associated with LOS in the IRF, although affected by diagnosis. Patients with higher BMIs can make changes in specific individual motor FIM items. For patients with bariatric BMIs, FIM change scores were higher in 2018, possibly due to the use of equipment and facilities designed for higher weight capacities.

A narrative review of biopsychosocial factors which impact overweight and obesity for individuals with acquired brain injury

Primary Objective: To discuss the biopsychosocial factors that affect being overweight or obese after acquired brain injury (ABI)Research Design: Narrative reviewMethods and Procedures: Based on the biopsychosocial model, we discuss the unique injury-specific factors that can affect bring overweight or obese among individuals with ABI including: (1) biological, (2) psychological and (3) social/ecological factors.Main Outcomes and Results: Injury-specific factors that impact being overweight or obese following ABI include endocrine dysfunction, pain, bowel and bladder incontinence, balance problems and motor impairment, medications, sleep quality and fatigue, alcohol and tobacco use, psychological disorders and symptoms, cognitive changes, social support, isolation, participation, transportation, independence, and knowledge. These factors may also compound general factors impacting weight management, making it difficult for individuals with ABI to maintain a healthy lifestyle.Conclusions: It is important to recognize the biopsychosocial factors that impact weight-loss and lifestyle change after ABI so that interventions can be tailored to meet individuals' unique needs. Empirical research is needed to better understand how biopsychosocial factors interact and impact overweight/ obesity after ABI.

The Effect of Body Mass Index on the Functional Prognosis of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

BACKGROUND

Although many studies have demonstrated that obesity is correlated with an increased risk of chronic disease, some have reported a paradox by which those in the higher weight categories actually recover better during hospitalization. This study was designed to determine whether this obesity paradox is also reflected in the recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) undergoing care in a rehabilitation hospital.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and the functional progress of patients with TBI, admitted to a rehabilitation hospital.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

The study included all patients admitted to the brain injury unit of a rehabilitation hospital over a 6-year period. The data used for this study included patient height and weight (measured on admission) and functional independence measurements (scored on admission and discharge).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Functional independence measure (FIM) change per day, BMI category.

RESULTS

For the 444 patients admitted, the overall FIM efficiency did not differ significantly by BMI (P = .93). After adjusting for age and gender, overweight and obese patients had the lowest FIM efficiency (1.04 for both groups), followed by the underweight and normal weight groups (1.11 and 1.26, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that higher BMI was not significantly correlated with the rate of functional recovery among patients admitted to a rehabilitation hospital for TBI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Change in body mass index within the first-year post-injury: a VA Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) model systems study

OBJECTIVE

To describe change in body mass index (BMI) and weight classification 1-year post- traumatic brain injury (TBI) among Veterans and service members.

DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Veterans and service members (N = 84) enrolled in VA Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems (VA TBIMS) study with BMI scores at enrollment and 1-year post-injury.

INTERVENTIONS

N/A.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

BMI scores from height and weight and weight classifications (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese classes 1-3) defined by WHO.

RESULTS

Twenty per cent were obese at time of injury and 24% were obese at 1-year post-injury. Cross-tab analyses revealed 7% of normal weight and 24% overweight participants at time of injury as obese Class 1 one-year post-injury. Univariate models found BMI and tobacco smoking at time of injury were significant predictors of higher BMI scores 1-year post-TBI. Multivariable models found BMI at time of injury and motor functioning, were significant predictors. Preinjury BMI, tobacco smoking and PTSD symptom severity predicted change in weight category.

CONCLUSION

While obesity among service members and Veterans post-TBI is below national averages, trends in weight gain between time of injury and 1-year follow-up were observed. Implications for health promotion and chronic disease management efforts with regards to rehabilitation for injured military are discussed. List of Abbreviations: BMI, Body mass index; BRFSS, Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance; GCS, Glasgow Coma Scale; FIM, Functional Independence Measure; NIDILRR, National Institute on Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; PCL-C, PTSD checklist-civilian; PSTD, Post-traumatic stress disorder; VA, Veterans Affairs; VA PRC, Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Rehabilitation; VA TBIMS, Veterans Affairs TBI Model Systems.

Hospital rehabilitation for patients with obesity: a scoping review

PURPOSE

To explore the evidence on rehabilitation for hospitalized patients with obesity.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and PubMed were searched from 1994 to May 2016. Grey literature was hand-searched. Two reviewers independently selected studies examining patients with obesity receiving hospital-based therapy for a physical impairment. One reviewer extracted the data and a second reviewer verified a random sample.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies (two trials, 37 observational) were included. Patients underwent rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery (n = 25), neurological conditions (n = 7), acute medical illnesses (n = 3), or various procedures (n = 4). Three studies investigated the effectiveness of a specific rehabilitation program in patients with obesity; however, two lacked a control group, precluding inferences of causal associations. Most studies compared functional outcomes across patients in different BMI categories (n = 33). There was much variability in the rehabilitation components, intensity, and providers used across the studies. The most frequent components were gait training and mobility (n = 17) and training in assistive devices (n = 12). Across the 50 outcomes measured, length of hospital stay (n = 24) and Functional Independence Measure (n = 15) were assessed most frequently.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence to guide rehabilitation for patients with obesity is sparse and weak. Rigorous comparative studies with clearly defined interventions and consensus outcome measures are needed. Implications for Rehabilitation Obesity rates have dramatically increased among patients requiring rehabilitation following joint arthroplasty, stroke, injury, or an acute medical event. There are currently no guidelines by which to define best practice for rehabilitating patients with obesity and comparative studies on rehabilitation programs are needed. Professional development focused on patient-centered rehabilitation and sensitivity training is known to promote quality care, reduce weight bias, and improve patient satisfaction. Access to and knowledge about equipment is necessary to promote patient and health care provider safety.

Describing Weight Loss Attempts and Physical Activity Among Individuals With TBI Prior to Participation in a Weight-Loss Program

OBJECTIVE

Describe (1) weight loss history, (2) perceptions about lifestyle changes, and (3) physical activity among a sample of individuals with traumatic brain injury prior to a 12-month lifestyle change program.

SETTING

Community-based.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals enrolled in a lifestyle change program, 6 months or more post-traumatic brain injury, body mass index of 25 or greater, 18 to 64 years of age, with physician's clearance to participate.

DESIGN

Convenience sample.

MAIN MEASURES

Self-report data were collected before beginning the lifestyle change program including descriptive, weight loss history and physical activity behavior using the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The final sample included 22 participants (M age = 46 years) injured a median of 8 years ago. Mean weight was 208.5 lb (SD = 40.2), with average body mass index of 31.84 (SD = 4.4). Since injury, 72.7% reported prior weight loss attempts, with 50% gaining 10 lb or more. All participants indicated high motivation for lifestyle changes. Perceived benefits included feeling better, improving overall health, and increased energy. Barriers included physical health complications. Types of physical activity completed included walking (68%, 180 min/mo) and swimming (32%, 79 min/mo).

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that many individuals gained weight since injury and attempted weight loss, demonstrating a need for evidence-based lifestyle interventions. Future research is needed to determine whether individuals with traumatic brain injury are able to achieve and maintain weigh loss through intervention.