Study Examines Aerobic Exercise for Concussion Recovery in Adolescents

Overview of Concussions in Adolescents

Concussions related to sports injuries represent a significant public health concern, with limited effective treatments available. It is estimated that up to 30% of children and adolescents experience lingering symptoms such as confusion, amnesia, dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, and vomiting for up to a month following a concussion. Traditionally, rest has been recommended as the primary method for managing concussion recovery, despite this approach being largely supported by animal studies.

The Benefits of Aerobic Exercise

Research indicates that aerobic exercise can positively influence various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, blood circulation, cardiovascular health, and brain function. Given these benefits, it may be prudent to consider regular exercise at a level that does not exacerbate concussion symptoms to facilitate quicker recovery for concussion patients.

Research Findings on Aerobic Exercise

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics evaluated the effectiveness of aerobic exercise, which does not worsen concussion symptoms, compared to a placebo-like stretching program for adolescents recovering from sport-related concussions.

Study Design and Participants

Conducted at university concussion centers, this research involved male and female adolescent athletes aged 13-18 who presented within ten days of sustaining a concussion. Participants were randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise group or a stretching group that did not significantly elevate heart rates. The exercise regimen lasted approximately 20 minutes daily, with participants reporting their symptoms and adherence to the program.

In total, 103 adolescents participated: 52 were assigned to the aerobic exercise group and 51 to the stretching group. Recovery was defined by the absence of concussion symptoms, evaluated by a physician unaware of the treatment group assignments.

Results of the Study

The study found no significant differences regarding age, gender, prior concussions, time since injury, initial symptom severity, or baseline treadmill test results between the two groups. Participants in the aerobic exercise group recovered in an average of 13 days, while those in the stretching group took an average of 17 days to recover. However, the sample size was relatively small, and the stretching program may not serve as an effective placebo control.

Implications for Future Research

These results underscore the need for further studies involving a larger cohort of adolescents, potentially including younger children who also experience sports-related concussions. Investigating the impact of rest on recovery times, compared to active interventions like stretching, would also be beneficial.

Significance of the Findings

This clinical trial is the first to suggest that aerobic exercise, when implemented without worsening symptoms, could serve as a viable treatment option for adolescents with concussion symptoms, allowing for a quicker return to sports. Additionally, it highlights the potential for aerobic exercise to prevent delayed recovery, which is crucial for determining when adolescents can resume school activities, thereby affecting their social and academic outcomes.

Conclusion

In summary, this study provides valuable evidence that moderate levels of physical activity, such as aerobic exercise that does not exacerbate concussion symptoms, may significantly and safely improve recovery time for adolescents suffering from concussions.

Written by Tatsiana Verstak, M.S., B.S.

Reference

Leddy J, et al. Early Subthreshold Aerobic Exercise for Sport-Related Concussion: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Pediatrics. Published online February 4, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.4397.