Traumatic brain injury is a common diagnosis treated by an occupational therapist (OT). The most common types of treament an OT utilizes after brain injury are compensatory strategies indicating the client learns a new way to perform the task or compensates for at least a portion of the task. Though this is an effective approach, it is also necessary to consider how remediation and neuroplasticity are essential post-injury. Teaching new approaches to complete tasks results in functional gains. but working on the client’s foundational skills to relearn how to perform the task the same way they once did is also important in rehabilitation. The brain can change and adapt based on movement, exercise, and repetition. OTs have an important role in gathering and interpreting research and considering how various types of exercises change the brain to change and improve function. The connection between motor function and exercise is well studied; however, this manuscript will explore how other types of exercise, either along or in combination with cognitive exercises, can facilitate functional outcomes and recovery after brain injury.
