An Observational Cohort Study of the Role of Level of Effort in Post-Acute Brain Injury Rehabilitation

This study investigated the role of person served level of effort (LoE) in post-acute brain injury rehabilitation, which holds promise as a factor that may be both modifiable and have an influence on outcome. The hypothesis being that greater effort is associated with more positive outcomes as measured by the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory and Supervisory Rating Scale. The LoE was measured using the Acquired Brain Injury Level of Effort Scale (ABI-LoES) by our On With Life therapists after each therapy session using the electronic medical record.

The observational cohort study involved analysis of effort on admissions with acquired brain injury at our Ankeny skilled nursing facility of 101 persons served. The study involved collaboration with the co-creator of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory, James F. Malec, PhD., and The University of Iowa Department of Biostatistics. After controlling for non-modifiable variables, the study showed average ABI-LoES rating is positively associated with outcome. Click here to access the study.

Primary Investigator: Dave Anders, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIST-AP.
Corresponding Author: James F. Malec, PhD.
Collaborating Partners: The University of Iowa Department of Biostatistics