Activity distribution and circadian rhythm in patients with severe acquired brain injury

2021.03.26 | Graduate School of Health

On Thursday 29 April at 14:00, Simon Svanborg Kjeldsen defends his PhD dissertation entitled "Evaluation of activity distribution and circadian rhythm in patients with severe acquired brain injury".

Over the past decades, there has been an increased focus on ensuring adequate activity but also sufficient rest and circadian rhythm in patients admitted for treatment in the healthcare sector. Patients with severe acquired brain injury are no exception. Rest and adequate circadian rhythm are associated with a wide range of health-promoting benefits. Among these are improved motor relearning, consolidation of memory, and increased consciousness. However, knowledge of activity distribution and circadian rhythm in this specific population is scarce. Therefore, a new Ph.D. project from Aarhus University, Health, has shed light on this area. For the past three years, the Ph.D. project has examined the activity distribution during admission and the circadian rhythm in the first 3-4 weeks of the subacute rehabilitation of patients with severe acquired brain injury. 

The objective measurement of activity distribution and circadian rhythm including the knowledge of the presence or absence of circadian rhythm may support the development and evaluation of interventions targeting improved circadian rhythm. Moreover, obtaining this knowledge may act as a support for the clinical reflections regarding the choice of rehabilitation interventions in the individual rehabilitation plan. Patients with severe acquired brain injury often have difficulties in expressing themselves because of impaired consciousness and/or paresis. Therefore, this Ph.D. project investigates the patients' activity distribution through behavioral mapping. Circadian rhythm is investigated using recordings of accelerometry and heart rate. Because patients with severe acquired brain injury in many ways differ from normality, a novel method for the evaluation of day-to-day circadian rhythm has been developed in this Ph.D. project. 

The summary is written by the PhD student.    

The defence is public and takes place online. Please read the attached press release for more information.

Contact:

PhD student Simon Svanborg Kjeldsen

Mail: Simkje@rm.dk

Phone: (+45) 78419076

Read full press release