Recreational Activities That Can Help Brain Injury Victims

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Recreational therapy is something that should be fun and helpful to the rehabilitation of somebody with a traumatic brain injury.

This reminds me of a previous client who was a traumatic brain injury victim. He and his son would enjoy building cars together from scratch. The client’s son eventually had to take over a more commanding role as they were building cars together because before the injury, it was always dad that was ordering the parts and putting them on while the son would watch.

After the traumatic brain injury occurred, their roles were reversed. The son, who was 18, took over the ordering of parts, and they would work on putting everything together.

It was lovely to hear their story and how this activity helped not only our client but his son too. It was not just in the rehabilitation, but also how they continued to bond in that way. So, what are some activities that can help TBI victims?

Painting

The first one is painting, which is great for fine motor skills and memories, while also being peaceful. Who knows, the TBI patient might actually be a good artist? But most importantly, the TBI victim can enjoy taking the time to create something that’s all their own.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great activity for brain injury victims because it takes place outdoors. It can also increase strength as you’re paddling, which has physical and coordination benefits.

Walking

Walking is as simple as it gets and can be quite helpful to the TBI victim. This is because it is not just a physical activity, but while you’re walking, you can ask the TBI victim to remember trees, buildings or even landmarks. Not only are you getting some exercise, but you’re outside and trying to stimulate and work with the TBI patient on memory.

Yoga

Yoga is an activity that calms the mind, and it helps the muscles stretch and build, which is obviously great for the TBI patient’s body.

Adaptive Sports

This is great for TBI victims because there’s everything from wheelchair basketball to modified cycling. This is for people who may not have use of all of their limbs, in addition to a traumatic brain injury or in lieu along with a traumatic brain injury.

Listening To Music

My wife’s family member had cognitive deficits, and her memory was gone. Even though she couldn’t remember who my wife was most of the time, as soon as we would turn on music that she was familiar with, she would remember every word. Sometimes there was dancing, which is a great physical activity.