This review compares outcomes of adult postacute brain injury rehabili
tation (PABIR) with natural recovery after brain injury. Potential out
come predictors and the effectiveness of behavioral, cognitive, pharma
cologic, and vocational interventions are also appraised. The importan
ce of standardized outcome assessment is discussed in the context of o
ther research considerations. Although generally uncontrolled, the stu
dies reviewed document benefits for many individuals with brain injury
, including increased independence and a rate of return to independent
work or training that exceeds 50% and may reach 60% to 80% for intens
ive comprehensive (holistic) day treatment programs. Available researc
h is sufficiently encouraging to recommend more carefully controlled r
andomized studies. Future research should emphasize the development of
standardized measures of patient characteristics and outcomes, and ma
tching of patient characteristics with optimal rehabilitation approach
es. (C) 1996 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and t
he American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.