Exercise following a sport induced concussion
B Gall1, W S Parkhouse, D Goodman
1Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada.
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 25, 2004
Summary
Concussed athletes asymptomatic at rest show normal exercise capacity. However, their heart rate response during submaximal exercise is elevated, indicating potential physiological changes post-concussion.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Concussion is a common injury in athletes.
- Assessing post-concussion recovery is crucial for safe return to play.
- Heart rate response during exercise may indicate physiological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate exercise capacity in concussed athletes.
- To determine if heart rate response is altered after concussion.
- To investigate the impact of missed playing time on recovery.
Main Methods:
- Concussed athletes (n=14) and matched controls (n=14) performed a graded exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer.
- Testing occurred within 72 hours of being asymptomatic at rest and again 5 days later.
- Exercise included warm-up, steady-state, and high-intensity interval phases until volitional fatigue.
Main Results:
- Exercise capacity, measured by exercise bouts completed, was not significantly different between groups.
- Concussed athletes who missed playing time exhibited higher heart rates during steady-state exercise.
- A greater increase in heart rate over time was observed in concussed athletes during steady-state exercise.
Conclusions:
- Concussed athletes who are asymptomatic at rest have preserved exercise capacity.
- An increased heart rate response to submaximal exercise suggests altered autonomic function post-concussion.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring heart rate response for a comprehensive concussion assessment.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...