Exercise speeds recovery from a concussion

Researchers at SUNY Buffalo and University of Manitoba studied the effect of exercise on recovery from a sports-related concussion in 103 adolescents. The results were published in JAMA Pediatrics.

The participants were enrolled within 10 days of a concussion. Half of the kids were given a stretching program and the other half, aerobic exercise on a treadmill. The intensity of aerobic exercise was subthreshold, or just below the level where it caused any post-concussion symptoms and was determined individually for each participant. Both stretching and aerobic exercise were performed for 20 minutes every day for a month. Those who did aerobic exercise recovered in 13 days, while those who did stretching exercise, in 17 days. There were no complications in either group.

This was the first randomized controlled trial of exercise, although prior observational studies also showed that early return to physical activity is beneficial for recovery from a concussion.

Cognitive rest is also not necessary after a concussion, but the activities should be also subthreshold and not too strenuous, which can worsen symptoms and delay recovery.

Other useful strategies include intravenous magnesium, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and Botox injections.