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Maggie Meier suffered a ruptured aneurysm in 2019 that left her with an acquired brain injury affecting her cognitive abilities.
Following her 13-day stay at the Halifax Infirmary, her healthcare team recommended she look into the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Day Program, which provides education and support for people living with brain injuries.
It took her about a year until she felt ready to attend the program, but she is glad she did.
“It was really great to find a group of people that are going through similar health challenges,” said Meier, who resides in Dartmouth. “Participants understand what you’re going through, and the staff have so much experience. It’s such a welcoming environment.”
The program offers an introductory six-week core program which provides general information about the brain and the effects of injuries. Once the core program is completed, participants can sign up for other programs dealing with memory, emotional regulation, fatigue, relaxation and leisure activities.
Physiotherapist, Katerina Miller started work with the ABI Day Program in 2019. She saw an opportunity to incorporate physical activity into the curriculum by adding the Physical Activity series, focusing on helping participants add physical activity to their daily lives and making a sustainable change.
“Physical activity plays a significant positive role in recovery after brain injury,” said Miller. “However, there's lots of things to keep in mind when exercising after brain injury, and that information isn’t easily accessible.”
Miller explained that individuals with an ABI face a range of physical challenges. These can include changes in mobility, significant fatigue, impaired balance, deconditioning and other difficulties.
In the Physical Activity series participants set their own goals, which can range from improving mobility, achieving daily steps to running a specific distance. Emphasizing individual progress over comparison, the program aims to create a non-judgmental, empathetic space for recovery.
Despite not having significant physical limitations, Meier who is 40, found the series very beneficial.
“I've always considered myself fairly active but it's easy to kind of push that aside following injury,” she said. “Physical activity is important. It's like having a trainer at the gym, but someone who understands your struggles and the invisible part of the brain injury.”
Meier, who likes walking and swimming, said she also enjoyed tracking her steps and being able to measure her improvement.
Since beginning the program, Miller has been collecting feedback and measuring how people are doing. Participants in the physical activity group showed improved physical health and abilities and reported an overall improvement in their quality of life.
Miller's goal is to contribute to the body of professional literature on this topic and share insights and strategies that benefit patients and healthcare practitioners.
Photo of Maggie Meier and physiotherapist, Katerina Miller.