Exploring Rebound Exercise for Adults with Neurological Disorders

Okemuo, Adaora Justina (2025) Exploring Rebound Exercise for Adults with Neurological Disorders. Doctoral thesis, Buckinghamshire New University (Awarded by the University of Staffordshire).

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Abstract

Neurological disorders, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, often lead to reduced balance, mobility and physical activity. Although the World Health Organisation recommends regular exercise, individuals with neurological disorders face unique challenges in meeting these guidelines. Despite the increasing research on exercise interventions, there remains a significant gap in understanding the feasibility and effectiveness of low-impact, cost-effective exercises for adults with neurological disorders. Rebound exercise offers a promising yet understudied option for this population. This research addresses this gap by exploring whether rebound exercise can increase physical activity and improve health outcomes in the studied population. The thesis involved a systematic review (study one) consisting of five studies, with three eligible for meta-analysis. The outcomes assessed were balance and mobility. This was followed by a feasibility study (study two) involving 53 community-dwelling adults with neurological disorders who engaged in rebound exercise for 30 minutes over 12 weeks. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, retention, adverse events, and participant feedback. Secondary outcomes included balance, mobility, physical activity levels, quality of life, and blood pressure, which were assessed at baseline, at six and 12 weeks. Study three involved semi-structured interviews that explored participants' perceptions. The systematic review revealed improved mobility (-0.53[-0.94,-0.11],p=0.01) but not balance in hospitalised adults with neurological disorders and identified limited research on community-dwelling adults. The feasibility study showed high recruitment (70.6%) and retention (98.1%) rates, no adverse events, and significant improvements in blood pressure (p<0.001), balance (p<0.001), walking speed (p<0.001), physical activity levels (p=0.000), and quality of life (p<0.001) after 12 weeks. Participants reported the exercise as enjoyable, safe, and effective. This research demonstrates the safety and feasibility of rebound exercise for individuals with neurological disorders in supervised community settings. The alignment between participants' subjective experiences and the quantitative outcomes highlights its potential to improve physical and physiological functions.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Depositing User:	RED Unit Admin
Date Deposited:	01 Apr 2025 11:54
Last Modified:	02 Apr 2025 08:00
URI:	https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/19828

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