The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Post-concussion Recovery in Athletes: A Narrative Review

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), in particular sports-related concussions (SRCs), are a significant health concern for young athletes in the United States. Historically, treatment has consisted of prolonged physical and cognitive rest, requiring athletes to abstain from activity until symptoms resolve and physician clearance is obtained. However, emerging evidence suggests that the early introduction of light aerobic exercise during the post-concussive period may shorten symptom duration. While several individual studies have explored this approach, no recent comprehensive literature reviews have summarized these findings. This review examines four peer-reviewed studies, including cohort studies and randomized controlled trials, that assess the impact of light aerobic exercise on recovery in athletes diagnosed with SRCs. Articles were collected following a systematic PubMed and Google Scholar search with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies included in this review reported faster symptom resolution for participants who engaged in light aerobic activity compared to those who followed standard rest protocols. This review showcases the potential benefits of safely introducing light aerobic exercise into the treatment of SRC in athletes. Despite limitations such as small sample sizes and narrow age ranges, the findings support a shift in SRC management toward active rehabilitation.