Improving symptom burden in adults with persistent post-concussive symptoms: a randomized aerobic exercise trial...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) affect up to 30% of individuals after mild traumatic brain injury.
• Exercise intolerance is a common symptom in PPCS.
• Sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise is a potential treatment for PPCS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a progressive, sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise program in alleviating symptom burden in adults with PPCS.

Main Methods:

• 56 adults with PPCS randomized to an immediate aerobic exercise program (AEP) or a delayed stretching protocol (SP) followed by AEP.
• A 12-week AEP involving 5x/week, 30-min sessions at 70-80% of heart rate at symptom exacerbation.
• Primary outcome: Rivermead Post-concussion Symptom Questionnaire at 6 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include symptom-specific assessments, biomarkers, and neuroimaging.

Main Results:

• This section is for study results, which are not yet available in the provided abstract.

Conclusions:

• This trial will assess aerobic exercise as an intervention for adults with PPCS.
• The study aims to broaden the understanding of aerobic exercise for PPCS, building on research primarily in adolescents.