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Int J Sports Med 2018; 39(09): 696-703
DOI: 10.1055/a-0592-7512
Clinical Sciences
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Impact of Moderate Exercise on Post-concussive Symptoms and Cognitive Function after Concussion in Children and Adolescents Compared to Healthy Controls

Vicki Anderson
1   Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Clinical Sciences Research, Parkville, Australia
,
Vicky Manikas
1   Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Clinical Sciences Research, Parkville, Australia
,
Franz E. Babl
1   Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Clinical Sciences Research, Parkville, Australia
,
Stephen Hearps
1   Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Clinical Sciences Research, Parkville, Australia
,
Julian Dooley
2   Cuyahoga County Court Clinic, Cuyahoga County Court Clinic, Cleveland, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted 26 February 2018

Publication Date:
01 August 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Resolution of post-concussive symptoms (PCS) is a marker of recovery. However, it is unclear whether subtle impairments re-emerge in the context of increased demands. This study examined the effect of strenuous exercise on clinical symptoms and cognitive efficiency in children and adolescents after PCS resolution following concussion. We recruited concussed children and adolescents (n=30) on presentation to an Emergency Department (ED), and compared them to community-sourced non-injured controls (n=30), matched for age, and cognitive function. At Day 2 post symptom resolution, concussed participants (and controls) completed an exercise protocol, and pre- and post exercise assessments of PCS and computer-based cognitive efficiency. Findings demonstrated that, compared to controls, participants with recent concussion showed an overall reduction in PCS post-exercise (p=0.048), less impact of exercise on PCS than controls (p=0.021), and faster reaction times on computer-based cognitive tasks, even where cognitive demands were high (ps<0.05). These results provide preliminary support for the use of moderate exercise for the reduction of concussion post-symptom, as suggested in recent clinical guidelines.

Key words

child - youth - concussion - recovery - exercise - cognition
 

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