According to Brain Injury Australia (BIA) about 700,000 Australians have an acquired brain injury. 3 out of every 4 people with an acquired brain injury are under the age of 65 and half of those are aged between 15 and 34 years old.

An acquired brain injury refers to any damage to the brain that occurs after birth. This may include Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or non-Traumatic Brain Injury. These types of injuries may result in physical, sensory, cognitive, behavioural or emotional/psychological impairments and can result in further medical conditions. One category of activities that can be reduced, even to the point of no longer able to perform, is high-level mobility activities.

People are aware that the 15 to 34 age population participate in many activities day-to-day that involved running, jumping, swimming, riding etc. and therefore expose the individual to some risk of acquiring a brain injury due to unfortunately common accidents. Many participants following brain injuries wish to return to or have had existing goals that may require higher levels of mobility; such as a return to employment, leisure, social and sporting activities.

“Running teaches me that I am capable of so much more than I ever imagined”

Goal orientated rehabilitation with a focus on higher levels of mobility may assist young participants who have survived an acquired brain injury to return to previous functional and leisure activities. It is important for rehabilitation services to provide participants with the tools and motivation needed to continue improving their health, fitness and quality of life for the journey ahead.

Quality and professional rehabilitation services provide participants with the opportunity to complete higher levels of activity within a safe and evidence-based environment; assisting participants in working towards goals such as participating in sports and competitions, running or cycling as a form of exercise and feeling of freedom, to dance and play with children and grandchildren or return to work.

At Alliance Rehabilitation, we assist participants through their journey and work towards achieving their goals together.