Key ingredients to an active rehabilitation programme post-concussion: perspectives of youth and parents

To identify key ingredients in a six-week active rehabilitation intervention from the perspectives of youth recovering from concussion and their parents.

Surveys with open- and closed-ended questions were administered to youth (N = 38) ages 10-18 years (average = 14.5 years) and their parents (n = 36) immediately post intervention. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse data.

One hundred percent (N = 38) of youth and 100% (N = 36) of parents reported that the active rehabilitation intervention was helpful. The most helpful ingredients according to youth were: energy management strategies (47.4%, N = 18), aerobic exercise (31.6%, N = 12) and sport coordination drills (21.1%, N = 8). Qualitative analysis of youth survey questions resulted in three themes: (1) learning energy management; (2) engaging in physical activity and (3) seeking help. Themes emerging from the parent survey were: (1) encouraging recovery and confidence through structured activity; (2) recognizing youth's accountability and (3) learning to be patient and to accept uncertain timelines.

Education about energy management is an important ingredient of the active rehabilitation intervention for youth with concussion. Parents benefit from learning how their child can be more accountable for their own rehabilitation and to be more accepting of unclear recovery timelines.