Acute Physical and Mental Activity Influence on Concussion Recovery

Thomas A. Buckley, Barry A. Munkasy, Kelsey M. Evans, Brandy Clouse

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction Physical activity (PA) and mental activity (MA) postconcussion has received renewed attention to improve concussion management; however, most protocols start after several days and do not assess the acute window. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess PA and MA in the first 48 h postconcussion on the time to symptom-free status and return to play. Methods We recruited 78 NCAA Division I athletes (male, 51.3%; age, 19.6 ± 1.4 yr; height, 173.7 ± 11.5 cm; weight, 80.1 ± 23.2 kg) who were diagnosed with a sports-related concussion. Participants completed a 0-5 PA and MA scale daily until fully cleared for return to participation (mean, 15.1 ± 6.9 d). A quadratic model regression assessed PA and MA over the first 2 d (acute) postconcussion on to time to symptom-free status and return to play. Results The overall model was significant for both time to symptom free (r2 = 0.27, P = 0.004) and return to play (r2 = 0.23, P = 0.019). Reported PA was the only significant predictor for time to symptom-free (P = 0.002) and return-to-participation (P = 0.006) day. Reported MA was not associated either outcome. Conclusions The primary finding of this study was that mild to moderate PA acutely postconcussion was associated with reduced time to symptom free and return to participation as opposed to either lower or higher levels of PA. Conversely, acute MA was not associated with recovery outcomes. These results further elucidate the role of postconcussion PA.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)307-312
Number of pages6
JournalMedicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
Volume54
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2022

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Keywords

  • COGNITIVE REST
  • EXERCISE
  • MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
  • REHABILITATION

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