Prolonged Activity Restriction After Concussion: Are We Worsening Outcomes?

Impact of Early Activity and Behavioral Management on Acute Concussion Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ARTICLE SUMMARY

Prescribed early physical activity and behavioral management did not improve outcomes in youth following acute concussion compared to the standard of care.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of early physical activity and behavioral management for acute concussion in pediatric patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A multicenter, prospective, 2x2 factorial randomized controlled trial was conducted among patients aged 11-24 years who presented within 72 hours of injury. Participants were randomized into four groups based on early physical activity (or usual care) and behavioral management (or none). The early activity group was encouraged to meet step targets despite symptoms. The primary outcomes were post-concussion symptom severity and quality of life at 14 days post-enrollment.

RESULTS

A total of 239 participants were randomized, and 210 completed all study procedures. The early activity group demonstrated higher daily step counts compared with the usual care group. However, no significant differences were observed in post-concussion symptom severity or quality of life at 14 days between groups. The early activity group experienced higher daily post-concussion symptom severity during the first 7 days and took longer to recover compared with the usual care group. Behavioral management showed no effect on outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Early prescribed physical activity and behavioral management did not improve post-concussion outcomes in the first two weeks following injury. Early prescribed activity despite symptoms was associated with delayed symptom resolution. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03869970.

Concussion and the Autonomic, Immune, and Endocrine Systems: An Introduction to the Field and a Treatment Framework for Persisting Symptoms

A significant proportion of patients who sustain a concussion/mild traumatic brain injury endorse persisting, lingering symptoms. The symptoms associated with concussion are nonspecific, and many other medical conditions present with similar symptoms. Medical conditions that overlap symptomatically with concussion include anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and cervical strain injuries. One of the factors that may account for these similarities is that these conditions all present with disturbances in the optimal functioning of the autonomic nervous system and its intricate interactions with the endocrine system and immune system-the three primary regulatory systems in the body. When clinicians are working with patients presenting with persisting symptoms after concussion, evidence-based treatment options drawn from the literature are limited. We present a framework for the assessment and treatment of persisting symptoms following concussion based on the available evidence (treatment trials), neuroanatomical principles (research into the physiology of concussion), and clinical judgment. We review the research supporting the premise that behavioral interventions designed to stabilize and optimize regulatory systems in the body following injury have the potential to reduce symptoms and improve functioning in patients. Foundational concussion rehabilitation strategies in the areas of sleep stabilization, fatigue management, physical exercise, nutrition, relaxation protocols, and behavioral activation are outlined along with practical strategies for implementing intervention modules with patients.

Recovery, interrupted: persisting symptoms after concussion and the power of iatrogenesis

Persisting symptoms after concussion (PSaC) affect up to 30% of children, adolescents, and young adults beyond 1 month post-injury, posing challenges in clinical care. This retrospective study examined 54 patients referred for neuropsychological evaluation due to PSaC, exploring factors contributing to symptom persistence. Results showed that 75.9% of patients experienced symptoms attributable to non-concussion factors, with 90.7% lacking evidence-based care post-injury. Pre-existing conditions, including migraines, anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders, correlated with symptom burden. Linear regression models indicated that these psychiatric factors and the absence of evidence-based recommendations predicted symptom severity [R2 = .314, p = .002], with other psychiatric disorders showing a significant effect [β = 2.28, p = .008]. History of any psychiatric disorder predicted current symptom count [R2 = .121, p = .010]. Logistic regression identified migraines (Nagelkerke R2 = .389, p = .000) and depression (Nagelkerke R2 = .124, p = .033) as predictors of non-concussion etiology. Anxiety, depression, migraines, psychiatric disorders, and lack of evidence-based care predicted non-concussion symptoms (Nagelkerke R2 = .575, p = .000). These findings highlight the importance of holistic, individualized care in concussion. Early neuropsychological involvement may improve diagnosis, reduce iatrogenic effects, and optimize recovery through tailored evidence-based interventions.

The Unconsidered Pathway: Suggestions for Physical Therapists to Facilitate Student Reintegration to Physical Education after a Concussion

Background/Objectives: "Return-to-play" and "return-to-learn" after a concussion are familiar concepts due to guidelines proposed by the Concussion in Sport Group and Heads-Up Initiative. The purpose of this commentary is to expand upon the current consensus guidelines for treatment of concussed children and adolescents, as well as provide guidelines for returning to physical education (RT-PE) classes. Proposal: The authors propose one general and four subtype-specific guidelines post-concussion injury. This framework highlights the role of physical therapists in the management of children with prolonged recovery. The final RT-PE determination should occur with documented medical clearance from a licensed healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of a concussion. Conclusions: Despite significant gains regarding the management of concussed children and adolescents, confusion remains regarding RT-PE post-concussion. To eliminate ambiguity and promote adherence to a gradual return to activity protocols, the authors developed guidelines based on current evidence and recommendations.

Evaluation of a biopsychosocial education resource for mild traumatic brain injury: a mixed method exploratory study

Introduction

Education is strongly advocated as a key component of treatment for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in clinical guidelines. However, there is mixed evidence on the benefit of education. This study aimed to evaluate a new education resource for mTBI. CLARITY is a freely available animated video based on a biopsychosocial conceptualization of mTBI, explaining the complex psychological, environmental and biological mechanisms behind symptoms and recovery.

Methods

24 adults with a history of mTBI participated in this mixed method study to examine prior experience of mTBI education and to evaluate CLARITY. Following viewing of the education video participants' were invited to engage in a semi-structured interview and to share their perceptions of it via an online anonymous questionnaire.

Results

Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed one overarching theme: education is the foundation of recovery. Participants emphasised the critical role of coherent education in facilitating understanding, engagement in rehabilitation, and positive expectations during recovery. However, the first subtheme was that existing foundations are weak. Participants' previous education was often limited in scope, inconsistent, and delivered in inaccessible ways. The second subtheme was that new foundations are stronger. Participants responded positively to CLARITY, highlighting its explanatory biopsychosocial approach, focus on mental health factors and accessible delivery methods as key strengths. Questionnaire responses revealed favourable endorsement of CLARITY's utility, comprehensibility and accessibility.

Discussion

Recommendations for minor refinements to CLARITY were provided and made, as well as for its use in health care services.

"I Wish I Had That!": A Qualitative Analysis of Psychosocial Treatment Preferences Among Young Adults With Recent Concussion and Anxiety

OBJECTIVE

To assess psychosocial treatment preferences and factors that may affect treatment participation among young adults with a recent concussion and co-occurring anxiety.

DESIGN

In-depth, semi-structured individual qualitative interviews, followed by thematic analysis using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach.

SETTING

Academic medical center in the US Northeast.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventeen young adults (18-24y) who sustained a concussion within the past 3-10 weeks and reported at least mild anxiety (≥5 on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes include preferences for program content (eg, topics and skills), delivery modality, format, and barriers and facilitators to participation.

RESULTS

We identified 4 domains characterizing participants' perceptions of and preferences for treatment. (1) Program content: Participants preferred a program early after injury that included psychoeducation and coping skills (eg, activity pacing, deep breathing, mindfulness). (2) Therapeutic processes: Participants preferred a person-centered approach in which clinicians normalized anxiety postconcussion and reassured them of recovery. (3) Program logistics: Participants endorsed that a brief, virtual program would be acceptable. They preferred access to program components through multiple modalities (eg, audio, video) and accommodations to manage concussion symptoms. (4) Barriers and facilitators to participation: Barriers included acute concussion symptoms (eg, screen sensitivity), time constraints, and forgetting sessions. Facilitators included a program that is flexible (format, scheduling), personalized (self-chosen mode for reminders, measure of accountability), and accessible (ie, advertising through health care professionals or social media).

CONCLUSIONS

Participants need psychosocial support that normalizes their experiences and provides education and coping tools. Treatments should be accessible, flexible, and person centered. Psychosocial treatments meeting these preferences may help optimize the recovery of young adults with recent concussion and anxiety.

Using mobile health to expedite access to specialty care for youth presenting to the emergency department with concussion at highest risk of developing persisting symptoms: a protocol paper for a non-randomised hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial

INTRODUCTION

Paediatric concussion is a common injury. Approximately 30% of youth with concussion will experience persisting postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) extending at least 1 month following injury. Recently, studies have shown the benefit of early, active, targeted therapeutic strategies. However, these are primarily prescribed from the specialty setting. Early access to concussion specialty care has been shown to improve recovery times for those at risk for persisting symptoms, but there are disparities in which youth are able to access such care. Mobile health (mHealth) technology has the potential to improve access to concussion specialists. This trial will evaluate the feasibility of a mHealth remote patient monitoring (RPM)-based care handoff model to facilitate access to specialty care, and the effectiveness of the handoff model in reducing the incidence of PPCS.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is a non-randomised type I, hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial. Youth with concussion ages 13-18 will be enrolled from the emergency department of a large paediatric healthcare network. Patients deemed a moderate-to-high risk for PPCS using the predicting and preventing postconcussive problems in paediatrics (5P) stratification tool will be registered for a web-based chat platform that uses RPM to collect information on symptoms and activity. Those patients with escalating or plateauing symptoms will be contacted for a specialty visit using data collected from RPM to guide management. The primary effectiveness outcome will be the incidence of PPCS, defined as at least three concussion-related symptoms above baseline at 28 days following injury. Secondary effectiveness outcomes will include the number of days until return to preinjury symptom score, clearance for full activity and return to school without accommodations. The primary implementation outcome will be fidelity, defined as the per cent of patients meeting specialty care referral criteria who are ultimately seen in concussion specialty care. Secondary implementation outcomes will include patient-defined and clinician-defined appropriateness and acceptability.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (IRB 22-019755). Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at national and international meetings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05741411.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Evaluating Transcranial Photobiomodulation as Treatment for Concussion

INTRODUCTION

Literature indicating that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) may enable the brain to recover normal function after concussion, resulting in symptoms reduction, and improved cognitive function after concussion is limited by small sample sizes and lack of controls.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examining the effect of 6 wk of tPBM in patients 11 yr or older who received care for persistent postconcussion symptoms between September 2012 and December 2015. Our primary outcome measure was the mean difference in Postconcussion Symptom Scale total score and the raw Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing composite scores between study entry and treatment completion. Participants received two, 10-min sessions either with tPBM units or via two placebo units, three times per week. We screened for potential confounding variables using univariable analyses. We entered covariables that differed between the two groups on univariable screening into a regression analysis. We considered adjusted odds ratio that did not cross one statistically significant.

RESULTS

Forty-eight participants completed the study. Most were female (63%), and a majority sustained their injury during sports or exercise (71%). Despite randomization, those that received tPBM therapy reported a greater number of previous concussions. After adjusting for the effect of previous concussions and multiple comparisons, there were no significant differences between tPBM and placebo groups at 3 or 6 wk of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite showing promise in previous investigations, our study did not show benefit to tPBM over placebo therapy in patients experiencing persistent postconcussion symptoms. Further investigation is needed to determine if varying the dose or timing alters the efficacy of tPBM after concussion.

Association between days for concussion recovery and initial specialty clinic evaluation within 48 hours

BACKGROUND

Researchers have highlighted the importance of early access to concussion care within one week of injury in reducing recovery times. However, a persisting question for concussion researchers is "just how early is important?" The purpose of this study was to examine differences in recovery time as predicted by the number of days elapsed since injury (DSI) to initial evaluation among patients who had access to a specialty concussion clinic within seven days. We hypothesized that DSI group membership, even within seven days, would significantly predict risk of protracted recovery (i.e., beyond 21 days).

METHODS

In this archival study, retrospective data were gathered from electronic medical records between September 2020 to March 2022. Records of participants between ages 12-18, those diagnosed with a sports-related concussion based on initial clinic visit diagnosis by a medical provider and those who established care within seven days of injury at a large pediatric specialty concussion clinic were examined. Participants were divided into three DSI groups (patients seen in < 48 h: "acute", patients seen between 49 h < and < 96 h: "sub-acute", and patients seen between 97 < and < 168 h: "post-acute"). A general linear model was constructed to examine relationships between relevant concussion factors (e.g., Post Concussion Scale Score, neurodevelopmental history, psychiatric history, concussion history, migraine history, overall VOMS change score, cognitive testing, sex, age, race, and ethnicity) that were either significant in the preliminary analysis or in clinical judgement and recovery time. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were derived from a binary logistic regression model, in which recovery time was normal (≤ 21 recovery days) or protracted (> 21 recovery days).

RESULTS

A total of 856 participants were eligible. Adolescents in the acute group (M = 15.12, SD = 8.04) had shorter recovery times in days compared to those in the sub-acute (M = 17.98, SD = 10.18) and post-acute (M = 21.12, SD = 10.12; F = 26.00, p < .001) groups. Further, participants in the acute (OR = 4.16) and sub-acute (OR = 1.37) groups who accessed specialty concussion clinics within 48 h were 4 times more likely to have a normal recovery and recovered approximately 6 days faster than the post-acute care group.

CONCLUSIONS

Earlier concussion care access predicted recovery times and was associated with lower risk for protracted recovery.

Optimizing the Combination of Common Clinical Concussion Batteries to Predict Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms in a Prospective Cohort of Concussed Youth

BACKGROUND

Studies have evaluated individual factors associated with persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) in youth concussion, but no study has combined individual elements of common concussion batteries with patient characteristics, comorbidities, and visio-vestibular deficits in assessing an optimal model to predict PPCS.

PURPOSE

To determine the combination of elements from 4 commonly used clinical concussion batteries and known patient characteristics and comorbid risk factors that maximize the ability to predict PPCS.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

We enrolled 198 concussed participants-87 developed PPCS and 111 did not-aged 8 to 19 years assessed within 14 days of injury from a suburban high school and the concussion program of a tertiary care academic medical center. We defined PPCS as a Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) score at 28 days from injury of ≥3 points compared with the preinjury PCSI score-scaled for younger children. Predictors included the individual elements of the visio-vestibular examination (VVE), Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, 5th Edition (SCAT-5), King-Devick test, and PCSI, in addition to age, sex, concussion history, and migraine headache history. The individual elements of these tests were grouped into interpretable factors using sparse principal component analysis. The 12 resultant factors were combined into a logistic regression and ranked by frequency of inclusion into the combined optimal model, whose predictive performance was compared with the VVE, initial PCSI, and the current existing predictive model (the Predicting and Prevention Postconcussive Problems in Pediatrics (5P) prediction rule) using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

A cluster of 2 factors (SCAT-5/PCSI symptoms and VVE near point of convergence/accommodation) emerged. A model fit with these factors had an AUC of 0.805 (95% CI, 0.661-0.929). This was a higher AUC point estimate, with overlapping 95% CIs, compared with the PCSI (AUC, 0.773 [95% CI, 0.617-0.912]), VVE (AUC, 0.736 [95% CI, 0.569-0.878]), and 5P Prediction Rule (AUC, 0.728 [95% CI, 0.554-0.870]).

CONCLUSION

Among commonly used clinical assessments for youth concussion, a combination of symptom burden and the vision component of the VVE has the potential to augment predictive power for PPCS over either current risk models or individual batteries.

Surveying the Landscape of Persistent Concussive Symptoms in Adults Through an Occupational Lens

IMPORTANCE

Little is known about how and to what extent persistent concussive symptoms affect occupational performance in adults.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of persistent postconcussive symptoms on occupational performance.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study design was used in which the occupational performance needs of adults with persistent concussion symptoms were identified by a trained occupational therapist via semistructured interview.

SETTING

University research space.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults ages 18 to 60 yr experiencing persistent concussion symptoms.

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Occupational performance was evaluated using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Data were then categorized by two researchers using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (4th ed.).

RESULTS

The most commonly affected occupational performance areas included education and work, social participation, and performance of instrumental activities of daily living.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Aligning with prior knowledge of the impact of psychosocial difficulties and higher order cognitive deficits on daily life, performance of complex occupations is heavily affected in adults with persistent concussive symptoms. Plain-Language Summary: The functional impact of symptoms that adults experience postconcussion becomes apparent as they return to their life occupations. The results of this study showed that adults with persistent concussive symptoms more commonly experienced occupational challenges with participation in education, social activities, and the performance of instrumental activities of daily living, with subtle, important variations in symptoms across adults. Detailed, client-centered evaluation of occupational performance changes postconcussion is an area of potential growth for occupational therapy practice and research.

Consensus statement: An evidence-based review of exercise, rehabilitation, rest, and return to activity protocols for the treatment of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is critical for preventing poor outcomes and minimizing health care burden. Current clinical guidelines for concussion management focus mostly on diagnosis and return to cognitive and physical activity but provide limited guidance on the use of specific therapeutic interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the available evidence on therapeutic interventions for concussion/mTBI and develop an evidence-based consensus statement on the use of these interventions in clinical practice.

LITERATURE SURVEY

A systematic literature search was performed first in 2018 and 2019, and again in 2022, to identify relevant original research on these interventions. A total of 6303 articles were retrieved through the systematic literature search and screened for inclusion. Eighty articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this review and consensus process.

METHODOLOGY

A multispecialty panel was convened to explore management of concussion/mTBI. Interventions evaluated included rest, exercise, rehabilitation, and return to activity (RTA) protocols. Studies were assessed for relevance and methodologic quality and were voted upon to develop an evidence-based consensus statement on the therapeutic appropriateness of these interventions for concussion/mTBI. A meta-analysis was not performed.

SYNTHESIS

There was sufficient evidence to recommend exercise as an appropriate therapy for adolescents with acute concussion/mTBI. In other age groups and for other therapeutic modalities, although some studies demonstrated benefits for some of the interventions, mixed results and study limitations prevented the panel from drawing firm conclusions on the efficacy of those interventions. The panel found evidence of detrimental effects from strict rest and high-intensity physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The panel recommended exercise as an appropriate therapy for acute concussion in adolescents. The evidence on other therapeutic interventions for concussion/mTBI remains limited to small randomized controlled trials and observational studies of moderate to low quality. The panel found no strong evidence to support or recommend against the other evaluated interventions but found most interventions to be safe when used judiciously and in consideration of individual patient needs. High-quality randomized studies with sufficient power are needed to evaluate the effects of rest, rehabilitation, and RTA protocols for the management of concussion/mTBI.

Improving outcome after paediatric concussion: challenges and possibilities

The term concussion has permeated mainstream media and household vocabulary mainly due to awareness regarding the risks of concussion in professional contact sports, yet it occurs across a variety of settings and ages. Concussion is prevalent in infants, preschoolers, children, and adolescents, and is a common presentation or reason for referral to primary care providers, emergency departments, and specialised trauma clinics. Its broad range of symptoms and sequelae vary according to multiple individual, environmental, and clinical factors and can lead to health and economic burden. More than 20 years of research into risk factors and consequences of paediatric concussion has revealed as many questions as answers, and scientific work and clinical cases continue to expose its complexity and heterogeneity. In this Review, we present empirical evidence for improving outcome after paediatric concussion. We consider work pertaining to both sports and other injury mechanisms to provide a perspective that should be viewed as complementary to publications focused specifically on sports concussion. Contemporary challenges in prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention are discussed alongside pathways and future directions for improving outcome.

Putting the Mind to Rest: A Historical Foundation for Rest as a Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury

Rest after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been a part of clinical practice for more than a century but the use of rest as a treatment has ancient roots. In contemporary practice, rest recommendations have been significantly reduced but are still present. This advice to brain injured patients, on the face of it makes some logical sense but was not historically anchored in either theory or empirical data. The definition and parameters of rest have evolved over time but have encompassed recommendations including avoiding physical exercise, sensory stimulation, social contact, and even cognitive exertion. The goals and theoretical explanations for this approach have evolved and in modern conception include avoiding reinjury and reducing the metabolic demands on injured tissue. Moreover, as cellular and molecular understanding of the physiology of TBI developed, scientists and clinicians sometimes retroactively cited these new data in support of rest recommendations. Here, we trace the history of this approach and how it has been shaped by new understanding of the underlying pathology associated with brain injury.

Return to Learn After Traumatic Brain Injury

A successful return of youth back to school after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important aspect of post-injury management. Regardless of the severity of the injury, returning to school is an important aspect of improving recovery and outcomes. Often temporary informal school adjustments suffice in supporting children returning to school after concussion. For those with more a significant TBI, often formal school supports and interventions are important. Given the resiliency and recovery often seen after pediatric brain injury, close monitoring, serial evaluations, and fluid supports are important in accurately identifying what specific sequelae require support in the school setting.

Exercise Parameters for Postconcussion Symptom Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Exercise rehabilitation for postconcussion symptoms (PCS) has shown some benefits in adolescent athletes; but a synthesis of evidence on exercise per se has been lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to determine if unimodal exercise interventions are useful to treat PCS and if so, to identify a set of clearly defined and effective exercise parameters for further research.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Relevant health databases and clinical trial registries were searched from inception to June 2022. The searches used a combination of subject headings and keywords related to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), PCSs, and exercise. Two independent reviewers screened and appraised the literature. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias-2 tool for randomized controlled trials was used to assess methodological quality of studies.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Seven studies were included in the review. Four studies were assessed to have a low overall risk of bias, 2 with low risk and 1 with some concerns. Participants in the studies comprised mostly adolescents with sports-related concussion. The review found exercise to be more beneficial than control conditions in 2 studies investigating acute PCS and 2 studies investigating persistent PCS. Within-group differences showing symptom improvement over time were observed in all 7 studies. In general, the review found support for programmatic exercise that commences after an initial period of rest for 24 to 48 hours. Recommendations for exercise parameters that can be explored in subsequent research include progressive aerobic exercise starting from 10 to 15 minutes at least 4 times a week, at a starting intensity of 50% HR of the subsymptom threshold, with length of program depending on recovery.

CONCLUSION

The evidence in support of exercise rehabilitation for PCSs is moderate based on the small pool of eligible studies. Further research can be guided by the exercise parameters identified in this review.

The Impact of a Recent Concussion on College-Aged Individuals with Co-Occurring Anxiety: A Qualitative Investigation

College-aged individuals with anxiety are vulnerable to developing persistent concussion symptoms, yet evidence-based treatments for this population are limited. Understanding these individuals' perspectives is critical for developing effective interventions. We conducted qualitative interviews with 17 college-aged individuals (18-24 years old) with a recent (≤10 weeks) concussion and at least mild anxiety (≥5 on the GAD-7 questionnaire) to understand the life impact of their concussion. We identified 5 themes: (1) disruption to daily activities (e.g., reduced participation in hobbies and physical activity); (2) disruption to relationships (e.g., reduced social engagement, feeling dismissed by others, stigma, and interpersonal friction); (3) disruptions in school/work (e.g., challenges participating due to light sensitivity, cognitive or sleep disturbance, and related emotional distress); (4) changes in view of the self (e.g., feeling "unlike oneself", duller, or more irritable), and (5) finding "silver linings" after the injury (e.g., increased motivation). Concussions impact the lives of college-aged individuals with co-occurring anxiety in a broad range of domains, many of which remain largely neglected in standard concussion clinical assessment and treatment. Assessing and addressing these issues has the potential to limit the negative impact of concussion, promote recovery, and potentially help prevent persistent concussion symptoms in this at-risk population.

Association Between Early Return to School Following Acute Concussion and Symptom Burden at 2 Weeks Postinjury

Importance

Determining how the timing of return to school is related to later symptom burden is important for early postinjury management recommendations.

Objective

To examine the typical time to return to school after a concussion and evaluate whether an earlier return to school is associated with symptom burden 14 days postinjury.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Planned secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter observational cohort study from August 2013 to September 2014. Participants aged 5 to 18 years with an acute (<48 hours) concussion were recruited from 9 Canadian pediatric emergency departments in the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada Network.

Exposure

The independent variable was the number of days of school missed. Missing fewer than 3 days after concussion was defined as an early return to school.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was symptom burden at 14 days, measured with the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI). Symptom burden was defined as symptoms status at 14 days minus preinjury symptoms. Propensity score analyses applying inverse probability of treatment weighting were performed to estimate the relationship between the timing of return to school and symptom burden.

Results

This cohort study examined data for 1630 children (mean age [SD] 11.8 [3.4]; 624 [38%] female). Of these children, 875 (53.7%) were classified as having an early return to school. The mean (SD) number of days missed increased across age groups (5-7 years, 2.61 [5.2]; 8-12 years, 3.26 [4.9]; 13-18 years, 4.71 [6.1]). An early return to school was associated with a lower symptom burden 14 days postinjury in the 8 to 12-year and 13 to 18-year age groups, but not in the 5 to 7-year age group. The association between early return and lower symptom burden was stronger in individuals with a higher symptom burden at the time of injury, except those aged 5 to 7 years.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of youth aged 5 to 18 years, these results supported the growing belief that prolonged absences from school and other life activities after a concussion may be detrimental to recovery. An early return to school may be associated with a lower symptom burden and, ultimately, faster recovery.

Differences in concussion knowledge between parents and their children in a multidisciplinary concussion clinic sample

PURPOSE

This study assessed concussion knowledge in concussed youth and parents treated at a multi-disciplinary concussion center.

METHODS

Youth (n = 50) and parents (n = 36) were approached at the beginning of a clinical visit. Participants completed a 22-item, previously published concussion knowledge survey before the visit.

RESULTS

Responses were compared with previously collected, published data from adolescents in a high school setting (n = 500). The patient group was divided into those with one (n = 23) vs. two or more concussions (n = 27). Chi-square analyses compared total correct responses between youth, parents, and the high school sample. T-tests assessed differences in knowledge based on prior concussions, age, and gender. All groups showed high accuracy for return-to-play guidelines (>90%) and similar knowledge of concussion-related symptoms (72.3% vs. 68.6%). Significant knowledge gaps about diagnosis, neurological consequences, and long-term risks were present across groups (19% to 68% accuracy). The patient group more often misattributed neck symptoms to concussion (X2  < 0.005). Prior concussion and gender were not significant predictors of concussion knowledge (p > 0.5).

CONCLUSION

Community and clinically-based educational techniques may not be effectively communicating knowledge about concussion diagnosis, symptoms, long-term risks, and neurological implications of concussion. Educational tools need to be tailored to specific settings and populations.

Implementation of active injury management (AIM) in youth with acute concussion: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Nearly 2 million youth seek acute medical care following concussion in the U.S. each year. Current standard of care recommends rest for the first 48 h after a concussion. However, research suggests that prolonged rest may lengthen recovery time especially for patients with certain risk profiles. Research indicates that physical activity and behavioral management interventions (sleep, stress management) may enhance recovery. To date, there is limited empirical evidence to inform acute (<72 h) concussion recommendations for physical activity and behavioral management in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of physical activity and behavioral management for acute concussion in adolescents and young adults, and to evaluate the role of patient characteristics on treatment response.

METHODS

This multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial will determine which combination of physical activity and behavioral management is most effective for patients 11-24 years old who present to the emergency department or concussion clinic within 72 h of injury. Participants are randomized into: 1) rest, 2) physical activity, 3) mobile health application (mHealth) behavioral management, or 4) physical activity and mHealth app conditions. Assessments at enrollment, 3-5 days, 14 days, 1 month, and 2 months include: concussion symptoms, balance, vestibular-ocular and cognitive assessments, quality of life, and recovery time. Somatic symptoms and other risk factors are evaluated at enrollment. Compliance with treatment and symptoms are assessed daily using actigraph and daily self-report. The primary study outcome is symptoms at 14 days.

CONCLUSION

Prescribed physical activity and behavioral management may improve outcomes in youth following acute concussion.

Early Postinjury Screen Time and Concussion Recovery

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association between early screen time (7-10 days postinjury) and postconcussion symptom severity in children and adolescents with concussion, as compared to those with orthopedic injury (OI).

METHODS

This was a planned secondary analysis of a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Participants were 633 children and adolescents with acute concussion and 334 with OI aged 8 to 16, recruited from 5 Canadian pediatric emergency departments. Postconcussion symptoms were measured using the Health and Behavior Inventory at 7 to 10 days, weekly for 3 months, and biweekly from 3 to 6 months postinjury. Screen time was measured by using the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Questionnaire. Generalized least squares models were fit for 4 Health and Behavior Inventory outcomes (self- and parent-reported cognitive and somatic symptoms), with predictors including screen time, covariates associated with concussion recovery, and 2 3-way interactions (self- and parent-reported screen time with group and time postinjury).

RESULTS

Screen time was a significant but nonlinear moderator of group differences in postconcussion symptom severity for parent-reported somatic (P = .01) and self-reported cognitive symptoms (P = .03). Low and high screen time were both associated with relatively more severe symptoms in the concussion group compared to the OI group during the first 30 days postinjury but not after 30 days. Other risk factors and health behaviors had stronger associations with symptom severity than screen time.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of early screen time with postconcussion symptoms is not linear. Recommending moderation in screen time may be the best approach to clinical management.

Use of acute cognitive symptom cluster to predict return-to-learn duration following a sport-related concussion

OBJECTIVE

Adolescents sustaining sport-related concussion often experience difficulties with the return-to-learn (RTL) process. Whereas the initial symptom burden has predicted prolonged RTL, no studies have established a relationship between acute cognitive symptoms and RTL duration. The authors sought to evaluate the relationship between initial cognitive symptoms and RTL duration.

METHODS

A retrospective single-institution cohort study of adolescent athletes aged 12-23 years who were evaluated within 5 days of a diagnosed sport-related concussion between November 2017 and October 2020 was conducted. Athletes missing cognitive symptom ratings and RTL data were excluded. The primary exposure variable was the Cognitive Symptom Ratio (CSR), defined as total cognitive symptom cluster score divided by total Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) score from the initial clinic visit. Primary and secondary outcomes were time to RTL and total length of care, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to assess the effect of CSR on RTL duration.

RESULTS

Of 653 athletes evaluated within 5 days of injury, 346 patients were included in the final cohort. Athletes reported a median initial PCSS score of 21 (interquartile range [IQR] 6-37) and a median cognitive symptom score of 4 (IQR 0-9). Most patients endorsed some degree of difficulty concentrating (n = 212, 61.3%). The median CSR was 0.18 (IQR 0.00-0.27). On multivariable regression analysis, a higher CSR was associated with prolonged RTL duration (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.13-0.69, p = 0.004). When initial PCSS score was added to the model, the previously significant association between CSR and RTL was no longer significant (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.29-1.59, p = 0.367). When dichotomized based on frequency distribution, a higher proportion of patients with low CSR achieved RTL by 7 days postinjury (82.2% vs 69.9%, p = 0.007), a difference not seen at 14 days (92.2% vs 87.3%, p = 0.133).

CONCLUSIONS

An acute ratio of cognitive symptoms may predict patients at increased risk for prolonged RTL and those with normal PCSS scores who may experience difficulties once resuming school activities.

Pediatric Sports-Related Concussion: An Approach to Care

Sports-related concussion (SRC) is a common sports injury in children and adolescents. With the vast amount of youth sports participation, an increase in awareness of concussion and evidence that the injury can lead to consequences for school, sports and overall quality of life, it has become increasingly important to properly diagnose and manage concussion. SRC in the student athlete is a unique and complex injury, and it is important to highlight the differences in the management of child and adolescent concussion compared with adults. This review focuses on the importance of developing a multimodal systematic approach to diagnosing and managing pediatric sports-related concussion, from the sidelines through recovery.

Players at home: Physical activity and quality of life in 12-17 years-old football (soccer) players during the Covid-19 lockdown

BACKGROUND

Aggressive preventive actions were required to face the Covid-19 outbreak. However, from March 2020 on, many healthy youth football players have seen their sporting activities disrupted by the restrictions on outdoor exercise.This study describes physical activity and quality of life during April 2020 lockdown of young people participating in organized football.

METHODS

1163 young football players aged 12-17 years (185 girls) completed a web-based questionnaire including the Youth Physical Activity and the Youth Quality of Life-Short Form Questionnaires; information on lifestyle and football-specific activity were also collected. Differences according to sex, urban/rural context and élite/non-élite club level were tested using a 2 × 2  ×  2 MANOVA (age considered as a covariate).

RESULTS

We found that: (i) on average, exposure to football accounted for 3.2 hours/week, was higher in élite clubs and changed in nature, being mainly performed individually; 19% of participants practiced football <1 hour/week; (ii) only 56% of the participants reported 7 or more hours/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, which decreased with age and changed according to the geographical context; (iii) perceived quality of life was lower in youth playing for non-elite clubs and in older girls; (iv) coaches, rather that official initiatives, were the primary source of football exercises practiced at home.

CONCLUSION

A status of limited physical activity emerged; this might lead to deconditioning and susceptibility to injuries when football could restart. Governing bodies, football Associations and clubs could exploit these results to take informed decisions and support evidence-based interventions during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tele-Active Rehabilitation for Youth With Concussion: Evidence-Based and Theory-Informed Intervention Development

BACKGROUND

Active rehabilitation involving subsymptom threshold exercise combined with education and support promotes recovery in youth with concussion but is typically delivered in person, which may limit accessibility for families because of a lack of services in their communities or logistical challenges to attending in-person sessions.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the evidence-based and theory-informed development of the Tele-Active Rehabilitation (Tele-AR) intervention for pediatric concussion, which was specifically designed for remote service delivery.

METHODS

The intervention was designed by clinician-researchers with experience in pediatric concussion rehabilitation following the Medical Research Council guidance for developing complex interventions. Development involved a critical review of the literature to identify existing evidence, the expansion of the theoretical basis for active rehabilitation, and the modeling of the intervention process and outcomes.

RESULTS

Tele-AR is a 6-week home exercise and education and support program facilitated through weekly videoconferencing appointments with a clinician. Exercise consists of low- to moderate-intensity subsymptom threshold aerobic activity and coordination drills that are individualized to participant needs and interests (prescribed for 3 days per week). Education includes the evidence-supported Concussion & You self-management program, which covers topics related to energy management, nutrition, hydration, sleep hygiene, and return to activity. Elements of self-determination theory are incorporated to support motivation and engagement. We present a logic model describing predicted intervention effects using a biopsychosocial conceptualization of outcomes after concussion.

CONCLUSIONS

The Tele-AR intervention may help to increase access to care that improves recovery and promotes a timely return to activity in youth with concussion. Future research is needed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of this approach.

The acute, systemic effects of aerobic exercise in recently concussed adolescent student-athletes: preliminary findings

OBJECTIVES

Examine the acute effects (pre-, during, post-intervention) of two different intensities of aerobic exercise or rest on autonomic, oculomotor, and vestibular function and symptom burden in patients with a recent sport-related concussion (SRC) and compare their responses to sex-matched, age-stratified, non-concussed (HEALTHY) student-athletes.

METHODS

Student-athletes between the ages of 13 and 18 that presented to the sports medicine clinic within Day 3-7 post-SRC and from local schools were recruited for a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The participants were administered the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS), King-Devick (K-D), and Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) before and after the intervention. Heart rate variability (HRV) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were collected before, during, and after the intervention. The intervention was either a single, 20-min session of treadmill walking at 40% (40HR) or 60% of age-predicted max heart rate (60HR), or seated, rest (NOEX).

RESULTS

30 participants completed the intervention with the SRC group treated 4.5 ± 1.3 days post-injury. Pre-exercise HRV and MAP were significantly different (p's < 0.001) during treatment but returned to pre-exercise values within 5 min of recovery in both the SRC and HEALTHY groups. Both the SRC and HEALTHY groups exhibited similar reductions pre- to post-intervention for symptom severity and count (p's < 0.05), three VOMS items (p's < 0.05) but not K-D time.

CONCLUSIONS

To date, this is the first adolescent RCT to report the acute, systemic effects of aerobic exercise on recently concussed adolescent athletes. The interventions appeared safe in SRC participants, were well-tolerated, and provided brief therapeutic benefit.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT03575455.

Longitudinal assessment of hemodynamic alterations after mild traumatic brain injury in adolescents: Selected case study review

Alterations in the neurovasculature after traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant sequelae. However, despite theoretical and empirical evidence supporting the near-ubiquity of vascular injury, its pathophysiology remains elusive. Although this has been shown for all grades of TBI, the vascular changes after injuries with the broad mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) classification, remain particularly difficult to describe. Our group has previously demonstrated hemodynamic alterations in mTBI by utilizing transcranial Doppler ultrasound and cerebrovascular reactivity in a cross-sectional study. That work identified a phasic progression of deviations over varying days post-injury. These phases were then characterized by a set of inverse models that provided a hypothetical process of hemodynamic dysfunction after mTBI. This model set provides a framework with the potential for guiding clinical treatment over the course of recovery. However, it is still unclear if individual patients will progress through the phases of dysfunction similar to that found at the population level. The work presented here explores six individual patients with high-density data collected during their post-injury recovery. Breath-hold index (BHI) was found to be the most robust feature related to mTBI longitudinally. All six subjects exhibited BHI recovery curves that followed the population model's progression. The changes in pulsatile features lacked the universality of BHI, but were present in subjects with higher self-reported symptom scores and longer periods of recovery. This work suggests neurovascular dysfunction after an mTBI may be a robust phenomenon. Additionally, the capabilities of TCD in capturing these changes highlights its potential for aiding clinicians in monitoring patient's recovery post mTBI.

Exploring clinical and patient characteristics for rehabilitation referrals following a concussion: a retrospective analysis

Objective

To explore patterns of postconcussion care at a level 1 trauma center.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

U.S. level 1 trauma center and local satellite units.

Participants

Patients of any age with a concussion diagnosis that reported to level 1 trauma center and local satellite units between 2016 and 2018 (N=2417).

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Age, sex, point of entry, rehabilitation referrals, and pre-existing comorbidity diagnosis.

Results

Patient age (mean [SD]) significantly differed among points of entry, from youngest to oldest: 26.0 (14.0) years in sports medicine, 29.3 (23.0) years in the emergency department, 34.6 (23.6) years at primary care providers, and 46.0 (19.7) years at specialty care departments. Sex also significantly differed among points of entry; emergency departments reported more men (55.6%), whereas the other points of entry reported more women (59.3%-65.6%). Patients were more likely to receive a referral from sports medicine (odds ratio [OR]_unadjusted=75.05, P<.001), primary care providers (OR_unadjusted=7.98, P<.001), and specialty care departments (OR_unadjusted=7.62, P<.001) than from the emergency department. Women were more likely to receive a referral (OR_unadjusted=1.92, P<.0001), regardless of point of entry. Lastly, patients with a preexisting comorbidity were more likely (OR_adjusted=2.12, P<.001) to get a rehabilitation referral than patients without a comorbidity.

Conclusions

Point of entry, age, sex, and preexisting comorbidities are associated with postconcussion care rehabilitation referral patterns. Improving concussion education dissemination across all entry points of a level 1 trauma center may standardize the postconcussion rehabilitation referral patterns, potentially improving the time to recovery from a concussion.

Behavioral and Cognitive Aspects of Concussion

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides the reader with an overview of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Key aspects of the pathophysiology, signs, and symptoms, treatment and rehabilitation, and recovery from concussion/mild TBI are reviewed with an emphasis on the variety of factors that may contribute to cognitive concerns following injury.

RECENT FINDINGS

Concussion remains a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms that occur in the immediate aftermath of an applied force and in the hours, days, and weeks thereafter. Although advances have been made in advanced diagnostics, including neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers in hopes of developing objective indicators of injury, such markers currently lack sufficient specificity to be used in clinical diagnostics. The symptoms of concussion are heterogeneous and may be seen to form subtypes, each of which suggests a targeted rehabilitation by the interdisciplinary team. Although the majority of patients with concussion recover within the first 30 to 90 days after injury, some have persistent disabling symptoms. The concept of postconcussion syndrome, implying a chronic syndrome of injury-specific symptoms, is replaced by a broader concept of persistent symptoms after concussion. This concept emphasizes the fact that most persistent symptoms have their basis in complex somatic, cognitive, psychiatric, and psychosocial factors related to risk and resilience. This framework leads to the important conclusion that concussion is a treatable injury from which nearly all patients can be expected to recover.

SUMMARY

Concussion/mild TBI is a significant public health problem in civilian, military, and organized athletic settings. Recent advances have led to a better understanding of underlying pathophysiology and symptom presentation and efficacious treatment and rehabilitation of the resulting symptoms. An interdisciplinary team is well-positioned to provide problem-oriented, integrated care to facilitate recovery and to advance the evidence base supporting effective practice in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Is early activity resumption after paediatric concussion safe and does it reduce symptom burden at 2 weeks post injury? The Pediatric Concussion Assessment of Rest and Exertion (PedCARE) multicentre randomised clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Investigate whether resuming physical activity (PA) at 72 hours post concussion is safe and reduces symptoms at 2 weeks, compared with resting until asymptomatic.

METHODS

Real-life conditions, multicentre, single-blinded randomised clinical trial, conducted in three Canadian paediatric emergency departments (ED). Children/youth aged 10-<18 years with acute concussion were recruited between March 2017 and December 2019, and randomly assigned to a 4-week stepwise return-to-PA protocol at 72 hours post concussion even if symptomatic (experimental group (EG)) or to a return-to-PA once asymptomatic protocol (control group (CG)). The primary outcome was self-reported symptoms at 2 weeks using the Health and Behaviour Inventory. Adherence was measured using accelerometers worn 24 hours/day for 14 days post injury. Adverse events (AE) (worsening of symptoms requiring unscheduled ED or primary care visit) were monitored. Multivariable intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analyses adjusting for prognostically important covariates were examined. Missing data were imputed for the ITT analysis.

RESULTS

456 randomised participants (EG: N=227; mean (SD) age=13.3 (2.1) years; 44.5% women; CG: N=229; mean (SD) age=13.3 (2.2) years; 43.7% women) were analysed. No AE were identified. ITT analysis showed no strong evidence of a group difference at 2 weeks (adjusted mean difference=-1.3 (95% CI:-3.6 to 1.1)). In adherent participants, initiating PA 72 hours post injury significantly reduced symptoms 2 weeks post injury, compared with rest (adjusted mean difference=-4.3 (95% CI:-8.4 to -0.2)).

CONCLUSION

Symptoms at 2 weeks did not differ significantly between children/youth randomised to initiate PA 72 hours post injury versus resting until asymptomatic; however, many were non-adherent to the intervention. Among adherent participants, early PA was associated with reduced symptoms at 2 weeks. Resumption of PA is safe and may be associated with milder symptoms at 2 weeks.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1b.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02893969.

REGISTRY NAME

Pediatric Concussion Assessment of Rest and Exertion (PedCARE).

Effect of Screen Time on Recovery From Concussion: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

There are limited data to guide screen time recommendations after concussion.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether screen time in the first 48 hours after concussion has an effect on the duration of concussive symptoms.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This randomized clinical trial was conducted in the pediatric and adult emergency departments of a tertiary medical center between June 2018 and February 2020. Participants included a convenience sample of patients aged 12 to 25 years presenting to the emergency department within 24 hours of sustaining a concussion. A total of 162 patients were approached, 22 patients met exclusion criteria, and 15 patients declined participation; 125 participants were enrolled and randomized.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were either permitted to engage in screen time (screen time permitted group) or asked to abstain from screen time (screen time abstinent group) for 48 hours after injury.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was days to resolution of symptoms, defined as a total Post-Concussive Symptom Scale (PCSS) score of 3 points or lower. Patients completed the PCSS, a 22-symptom scale that grades each symptom from 0 (not present) to 6 (severe), each day for 10 days. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression modeling were used to compare the 2 groups. A Wilcoxon rank sum test was also performed among participants who completed the PCSS each day through recovery or conclusion of the study period.

RESULTS

Among 125 patients with concussion, the mean (SD) age was 17.0 (3.4) years; 64 participants (51.2%) were male. A total of 66 patients were randomized to the screen time permitted group, and 59 patients were randomized to the screen time abstinent group. The Cox regression model including the intervention group and the patient's self-identified sex demonstrated a significant effect of screen time (hazard ratio [HR], 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29-0.90), indicating that participants who engaged in screen time were less likely to recover during the study period. In total, 91 patients were included in the Wilcoxon rank sum test (47 patients from the screen time permitted group, and 44 patients from the screen time abstinent group). The screen time permitted group had a significantly longer median recovery time of 8.0 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3.0 to >10.0 days) compared with 3.5 days (IQR, 2.0 to >10.0 days; P = .03) in the screen time abstinent group. The screen time permitted group reported a median screen time of 630 minutes (IQR, 415-995 minutes) during the intervention period compared with 130 minutes (IQR, 61-275 minutes) in the screen time abstinent group.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this study indicated that avoiding screen time during acute concussion recovery may shorten the duration of symptoms. A multicenter study would help to further assess the effect of screen time exposure.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03564210.

Youth Concussion Management Practices Among Athletic Trainers: A Vignette-Based Survey

CONTEXT

Recovery protocols for treatment of sports concussion have received widespread adoption across the country. While stages of recovery and treatment are relatively clearly defined, there remains variability in implementation of specific recommendations, particularly regarding activities that constitute rest during stages calling for limitations on activity participation. Specific recommendations being employed by practitioners have not been previously assessed. In an aim to document current concussion management practices in the field, athletic trainers were surveyed regarding how activities that may constitute rest are utilized and defined.

DESIGN

The study was based on a cross-sectional vignette-based survey.

METHODS

The sample used was a geographically representative convenience sample of United States-based high school athletic trainers. E-mails were sent to 2146 potential survey respondents yielding a final sample of 226 athletic trainers. Data were gathered for questions concerning recommendations for follow-up care and rest based on provided vignettes, factors considered when developing recommendations, and differences in recommendations associated with varying symptom presentations. The percentage of practitioners that would utilize each potential recommendation was used to characterize results.

RESULTS

Participants demonstrated consensus on the importance of physical and cognitive rest as well as school accommodations (all greater than 97% endorsement). Greater variability was present for recommendations regarding pain medication for headache, repeating baseline cognitive testing, and engaging in subsymptom threshold activities. Recommendations for attending but not participating in games and practice yielded conflicting information.

CONCLUSIONS

Responses indicated general consensus regarding factors considered when making recommendations. There was also consensus regarding general recommendations for activity limitation following recovery with almost all participants strongly recommending cognitive and physical rest, in accordance with consensus guidelines. However, substantial differences were found for specific activities that should be limited or encouraged following youth concussion. Further research concerning the relationship between community and social interaction and clinical outcomes after concussion is warranted.

Occupational Performance Limitations After Concussion in College Students

IMPORTANCE

Occupational performance limitations (OPLs) are poorly understood sequelae of concussion. This study aimed to establish the need for occupational therapy services for people who have sustained a concussion and to support the profession's role in facilitating occupational performance for college students experiencing signs and symptoms after concussion.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the types and frequency of, and assess risk factors for, OPLs in college students after concussion.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional descriptive study.

SETTING

Web-based survey on Qualtrics.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 220 participants completed the survey; of those, 52 (23.6%) self-identified as having sustained a concussion and were further asked about OPLs after the concussion.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine percent (n = 46) of the participants reported an OPL in at least one area, and higher OPL scores were associated with the number of concussion symptoms (r = .34, p = .02) and increased recovery time (≥3 days vs. <3 days, p = .006).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

College students reporting concussions with more symptoms that persisted for longer periods were more likely to experience occupational performance loss. Frequent OPLs were reported in occupations associated with the participants' primary role of student. These results indicate a unique need for occupational therapy intervention with students to facilitate their continued success in academic pursuits. What This Article Adds: People who have sustained a concussion experience OPLs. Occupational therapy has a role in facilitating a return to occupational performance during recovery, especially in helping college students with concussion return to the classroom.

Current Practices Among Speech-Language Pathologists for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Mixed-Methods Modified Delphi Approach

Purpose The study purpose was to capture the clinical practice patterns of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) treating mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI; concussion). Study aims were to (a) characterize expert SLP practice patterns for the management of mTBI and (b) use qualitative content analysis to explore areas of quantitative variability within participants' responses. Method Using a modified Delphi approach, SLPs completed an online survey, with Round 1 responses shaping questions for Round 2. Round 2 results were analyzed using a concurrent partially mixed-methods approach with quantitative and qualitative items. Quantitative consensus agreement levels were set prestudy at 75% agreement or higher. Topic-level items that did not reach consensus were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Participants SLPs engaging in a specialty mTBI-SLP networking group were invited to participate. Round 1 had nine participants (United States: 4, Canada: 5). Round 2 had 18 participants (United States: 12, Canada: 6), with a mean of 15.7 years of experience in mTBI (range: 3-33) and a mean of 7.6 clients with mTBI seen weekly (range: 1-25). Results Nearly all topic-level practice items met quantitative consensus (42/45). Consensus areas included using conceptual frameworks, interprofessional teaming, assessment and intervention practices, goal setting, and outcomes. Functional, collaborative, and client-centered care anchored clinical practice. Areas lacking consensus included SLP roles in mTBI mental and somatic health symptoms, specific measurement tools, and intervention dosages. Qualitative themes that emerged included limited interprofessional awareness for the role of SLPs in mTBI and challenges in measurement selection. Conclusions Study aims were met with clear consensus on clinical patterns implemented by SLPs specializing in mTBI. Results will inform both current clinical practices and future practice guidelines. High-level guidance and advocacy are needed to clarify SLP practice concerns and advance interprofessional education. Future work should address identified gaps, including targeted assessment tools and consensus on intervention methods.

Moderate Intensity Treadmill Exercise Increases Survival of Newborn Hippocampal Neurons and Improves Neurobehavioral Outcomes after Traumatic Brain Injury

Physician-prescribed rest after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is both commonplace and an increasingly scrutinized approach to TBI treatment. Although this practice remains a standard of patient care for TBI, research of patient outcomes reveals little to no benefit of prescribed rest after TBI, and in some cases prolonged rest has been shown to interfere with patient well-being. In direct contrast to the clinical advice regarding physical activity after TBI, animal models of brain injury consistently indicate that exercise is neuroprotective and promotes recovery. Here, we assessed the effect of low and moderate intensity treadmill exercise on functional outcome and hippocampal neural proliferation after brain injury. Using the controlled cortical impact (CCI) mouse model of TBI, we show that 10 days of moderate intensity treadmill exercise initiated after CCI reduces anxiety-like behavior, improves hippocampus-dependent spatial memory, and promotes hippocampal proliferation and newborn neuronal survival. Pathophysiological measures including lesion volume and axon degeneration were not altered by exercise. Taken together, these data reveal that carefully titrated physical activity may be a safe and effective approach to promoting recovery after brain injury.

Effects of CranioSacral therapy upon symptoms of post-acute concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) in patients with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and capture patient-reported perceptions of clinical outcomes of lived treatment experiences.

DESIGN

Two-part, longitudinal study conducted through a chart review of target group, followed by a Patient-reported Treatment Outcome Survey (PTOS).

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 212 patients with a historical incidence of head trauma not requiring hospitalization was obtained through medical records department dating back ten years. Inclusion criteria for further chart review (n = 67) was determined by identifying patients with a confirmed concussion directly correlated with presenting symptoms and for which CST was specifically sought as a treatment option. Demographics and patient-determined treatment duration data were analyzed by comparison groups extensively suggested in existing literature: Recovery time since injury as either Post-acute concussion (<6 months) or Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) (≥6 months); Athletes (A) or Non-athletes (NA); and traditional gender. Final PTOS group criteria was determined by eliminating confounding issues reporting (n = 47): (A, n = 24 and NA, n = 23).

RESULTS

Quantitative data was analyzed via Numerical Analysis, and qualitative data was analyzed via Inductive Content Analysis. Symptoms reported in all charts as well as in the PTOS were consistent with identified PCS subtypes. Utilization of CST revealed that most patients determined the treatment effect upon concussion symptoms within 1-3 sessions. Nearly twice as many sessions were attended in the PCS than post-acute groups. Referral sources, studied for a perspective on local concussion after-care discharge planning, ranged from professional to personal recommendation or self-discovery. A majority of patients met goals of reducing post-acute or PCS as reasons cited by self-determined change-in-status or discharge from service. Patients were asked to indicate on the PTOS which pre- and post-treatment symptoms were helped or not helped by this particular intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-reported changes of PCS symptoms is critical when evaluating treatment options. CST is an experiential treatment that addresses subjective levels of dysfunction, thus it is the patient deciding the value of an intervention. A sizable portion of patients in all groups reported a positive effect upon their symptoms by CST. Patients indicated personal meaning to CST through their utilization of multiple sessions. A high percentage indicated the likelihood of referring others with PCS for CST. Of the 212 patient charts first studied, the 145 not meeting inclusion criteria suggest some chronic conditions may present as long-term effects of older head injuries. CST is a low-risk, conservative treatment option for PCS sub-types worthy of further clinical study.

Mental health after paediatric concussion: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to rigorously examine mental health outcomes following paediatric concussion. To date, heterogeneous findings and methodologies have limited clinicians' and researchers' ability to meaningfully synthesise existing literature. In this context, there is a need to clarify mental health outcomes in a homogeneous sample, controlling for key methodological differences and applying a consistent definition of concussion across studies.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SportDiscus, Scopus and PubMed.

ELIGIBILITY

Peer-reviewed studies published between 1980 and June 2020 that prospectively examined mental health outcomes after paediatric concussion, defined as per the Berlin Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine articles characterising 60 unique samples met inclusion criteria, representing 89 114 children with concussion. Forty articles (33 studies) contributed to a random effects meta-analysis of internalising (withdrawal, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress), externalising (conduct problems, aggression, attention, hyperactivity) and total mental health difficulties across three time points post-injury (acute, persisting and chronic). Overall, children with concussion (n=6819) experienced significantly higher levels of internalising (g=0.41-0.46), externalising (g=0.25-0.46) and overall mental health difficulties compared with controls (g=0.18-0.49; n=56 271), with effects decreasing over time.

SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONS

Our review highlights that mental health is central to concussion recovery. Assessment, prevention and intervention of mental health status should be integrated into standard follow-up procedures. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying observed relationships between mental health, post-concussion symptoms and other psychosocial factors. Results suggest that concussion may both precipitate and exacerbate mental health difficulties, thus impacting delayed recovery and psychosocial outcomes.

Fear avoidance behavior in youth with poor recovery from concussion: measurement properties and correlates of a new scale

The objective of the current study was to develop a measure of fear avoidance behavior after concussion for youth and parent respondents and examine its basic psychometric properties and correlates. Children (N = 51) who were seen in a hospital concussion clinic after sustaining a concussion (M = 7.6 months, SD = 7.01) and their primary caregiver (N = 51)completed self- and informant-report measures of fear avoidance (Pediatric Fear Avoidance Behavior after Traumatic Brain Injury Questionnaire; PFAB-TBI), post-concussion symptoms (Health Behavior Inventory), emotional distress (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), and quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0). The self- and informant-report PFAB-TBI scores were moderately correlated (r = 0.51, p < 0.001). Neither measure demonstrated floor or ceiling effects. Both had strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.87 and 0.89, respectively). The PFAB-TBI self-report was positively correlated with somatic symptoms (r = 0.37), emotional distress (r = 0.39), and negatively associated with quality of life (r = -0.57). The PFAB-TBI informant-report was positively associated with informant reported somatic symptoms (r = 0.52) and emotional distress (r = .50) Overall, the PFAB-TBI has desirable basic measurement properties and expected correlations with clinical outcomes. This measure can potentially help clinicians and researchers better understand the impacts of fear avoidance behavior after pediatric concussion.

Children with ADHD Have a Greater Lifetime History of Concussion: Results from the ABCD Study

This case-control study using baseline data from the population cohort Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study^® compared lifetime history of concussion between children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We hypothesized that children with ADHD would have a greater lifetime history of concussion than children without ADHD. Children were recruited from schools across the United States, sampled to provide strong generalizability to the US population. The current sample included 10,585 children (age: mean = 9.9; standard deviation = 0.6; range 9-10 years; 48.9% girls; 64.6% White), including 1085 with ADHD and 9500 without ADHD. The prevalence of prior concussion among children with ADHD was 7.2% (95% CI: 6.6-7.8%) compared with 3.2% (3.1-3.3%) among children without ADHD, meaning current ADHD status was associated with twice the odds of experiencing a prior concussion [χ² = 44.54; p < 0.001; odds ratio = 2.34 (1.81-3.03)]. No significant differences were observed in proportion of boys and girls with ADHD who had a prior concussion history. The number of current ADHD symptoms were not meaningfully associated with prior concussion history. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with lower rates of reported concussion, but not differentially in association with ADHD. ADHD is associated with twice the lifetime prevalence of prior concussion before age 11 among children from the general U.S. population. Boys and girls with ADHD did not differ in proportions with prior concussion and concussion history was not related to the number of ADHD symptoms reported by parents.

The care of the concussed pediatric patient prior to presentation to primary care pediatrician versus concussion specialists: Implications for management

Objective

Absent adequate randomized control trials to inform appropriate treatment for concussion in pediatric patients, guidelines have been developed based on expert opinion and observational data that may not apply to all groups. This study examines differences in the previous clinical care between concussed patients who present in pediatric practice and specialty clinics. Differences found might influence treatment recommendations for each setting.

Study design

Prospective data collected from a pediatric practice in 2011 to 2013 were compared to chart review data from two specialty clinics between 2015 and 2017. In all three groups patients 11–19 years of age with an ICD9 billing code for concussion were included if they met the 4th International Consensus definition of concussion. Patients were excluded if hospitalized or had abnormal CNS imaging.

Results

The time between injury and presentation was substantially longer in specialty clinic patients versus those seen in the primary pediatric care office. (median 10 vs. 2 days-p < 0.001) Primary care patients presenting had higher rates of immediate rest after injury, 61.4% vs 27.9% (p < 0.001). More specialty clinic patients had been seen in the emergency departments prior to presentation (47.5% vs. 18.8% p < 0.001) regardless of rest status at presentation to the office.

Conclusion

Several differences in previous clinical care between the groups were found. These included the time of presentation from injury, rates of cognitive rest both immediate and non-immediate, and emergency department visits. These differences may have implications for management recommendations. Accordingly, the appropriate treatment for patients seen by the primary pediatric care physicians may be different from those referred to specialty care. Given these findings randomized controlled trails should be conducted independently in both groups of patients.

Use of Supervised Exercise During Recovery Following Sports-Related Concussion

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety of supervised exercise (SE) in acute sport-related concussion (SRC) and its influence on recovery.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

University SRC clinic at a tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

One hundred ninety-four consecutive new patient charts were reviewed. Patients were included if they were seen within 30 days of sustaining a SRC, and their medical records included all required data elements. One hundred twenty-six patients were included in the analysis.

INTERVENTIONS

Symptomatic patients who initiated SE within 16 days of SRC (n = 24) were compared with those who did not undergo SE or initiated SE after postinjury day 16 (n = 84). Age, sex, history of previous concussions, injury severity, relevant comorbidities, and other treatments received were included in the analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The association between early SE and clearance for return to sport was determined using a hazard ratio (HR). The number of days from SRC until clearance for return to sport and the number of days symptomatic from concussion were also compared between early SE and nonearly SE cohorts.

RESULTS

No serious adverse events occurred in the early SE group. Early SE was associated with earlier return to sport (HR = 2.35, P = 0.030). The early SE group had fewer days from SRC until clearance for return to sport (mean 26.5 ± 11.2 days vs 35.1 ± 26.5 days, P = 0.020). There was a trend toward fewer symptomatic days in the early SE group (P = 0.054).

CONCLUSION

Early SE performed in the symptomatic stage of SRC was safe and associated with earlier return to sport.

De-implementing Prolonged Rest Advice for Concussion in Primary Care Settings: A Pilot Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a de-implementation intervention to support return-to-activity guideline use after concussion.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

Family physicians in community practice (n = 21 at 5 clinics).

DESIGN

Pilot stepped wedge cluster randomized trial with qualitative interviews. Training on new guidelines for return to activity after concussion was provided in education outreach visits.

MAIN MEASURES

The primary feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention, and postencounter form completion (physicians prospectively recorded what they did for each new patient with concussion). Efficacy indicators included a knowledge test and guideline compliance based on postencounter form data. Qualitative interviews covered Theoretical Domains Framework elements.

RESULTS

Recruitment, retention, and postencounter form completion rates all fell below feasibility benchmarks. Family physicians demonstrated increased knowledge about the return-to-activity guideline (M = 8.8 true-false items correct out of 10 after vs 6.3 before) and improved guideline adherence (86% after vs 25% before) after the training. Qualitative interviews revealed important barriers (eg, beliefs about contraindications) and facilitators (eg, patient handouts) to behavior change.

CONCLUSIONS

Education outreach visits might facilitate de-implementation of prolonged rest advice after concussion, but methodological changes will be necessary to improve the feasibility of a larger trial. The qualitative findings highlight opportunities for refining the intervention.

The role of family burden on informant discrepancies between parents and youths with protracted recovery from mild traumatic brain injury

Previous literature shows that family burden can lead to symptom-report discrepancies between parents and children. The present study sought to extend this research by investigating the influence of family burden factors, including socioeconomic status (SES) and family stress on informant discrepancies between parents and youths with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Participants were clinically referred youths with mTBI ages 8-17, consecutively seen in a hospital-based neuropsychology concussion clinic (N = 81; females = 54.3%). Parents and children completed the Behavioral Assessment for Children System (BASC) and the Postconcussive Symptom Scale (PCSS). Parents rated changes in family stress related to the mTBI (categorized as "no change," "minor change," or "major change") and provided information to calculate SES. Results revealed that family stress but not SES influenced parent-child report discrepancies for the BASC Internalizing Symptoms Index (F = 8.72(2, 79), p <.000), and that the discrepancies were independent of postconcussive symptom severity. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

A Live Video Mind-Body Treatment to Prevent Persistent Symptoms Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

Background

Every year, approximately 42 million people sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI, also known as concussion), with particularly high rates among college-aged individuals. A substantial proportion of these people (44%-64%) develop persistent symptoms that are challenging to treat, costly, and associated with significant disability. Anxiety has emerged as a risk factor for progression from acute to persistent mTBI symptoms.

Objective

This study aims to develop, adapt, and establish the feasibility of the Toolkit for Optimal Recovery after Concussions (TOR-C), an innovative mind-body program aimed at preventing persistent symptoms among young adults with mTBI and comorbid anxiety. Here, we describe the proposed study design, methodology, measurement, and treatment manuals.

Methods

In phase 1, we will conduct individual, live video qualitative interviews (up to n=20) with college-aged individuals with mTBI and comorbid anxiety to inform adaptation of the intervention and study procedures. In phase 2, an open pilot of the live video TOR-C (n=5) with exit interviews will be conducted to explore the initial feasibility, acceptability, and credibility of the program and to refine the study procedures. Phase 3 will involve conducting a feasibility randomized controlled trial (N=50) of the TOR-C versus a health education control (Health Enhancement for Concussions; HE-C), both delivered via live video, to establish feasibility of recruitment procedures (screening, eligibility, and enrollment) and data collection; feasibility, credibility, and acceptability of the live video TOR-C and HE-C (adherence, retention, fidelity, and satisfaction) following prespecified benchmarks; and a signal of improvement in outcomes.

Results

Phase 1 of the study has been approved by the Massachusetts General Hospital Institutional Review Board. Study completion is anticipated by early 2025.

Conclusions

We will develop and test the first mind-body intervention focused on prevention of persistent symptoms following mTBI in young adults with comorbid anxiety problems. This will allow us to establish feasibility markers in postconcussive symptoms, anxiety, disability, and fear avoidance to inform a future efficacy trial of the TOR-C versus HE-C.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/25746

Graded Exercise Testing Predicts Recovery Trajectory of Concussion in Children and Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether graded exercise testing can predict recovery trajectory of concussion in children and adolescents.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Children's Hospital, Westmead, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred thirty-nine children aged 12 to 16 years at 5 to 7 days after an acute concussive injury.

INTERVENTION

Graded exercise testing on a treadmill at the subacute phase to assess symptom provocation and determine clinical recovery indicating readiness to commence a return to activity (RTA) protocol. Exercise time to symptom exacerbation and clinical recovery were measured.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Standard concussion assessment and clinical testing (neurocognitive, vestibular/ocular, and balance) were conducted to determine major clinical drivers/indicators.

RESULTS

Participants (mean age 12.4 ± 2.8 years, 73% male) had a confirmed sport-related concussion. The main clinical drivers identified on exercise testing were headache, balance, and vestibular dysfunction. Participants fell into 1 of 2 groups, exercise-tolerant (54%) and exercise-intolerant (46%). Exercise-tolerant patients showed mild clinical indicators, no symptom exacerbation during 10.3 ± 3.3 minutes of exercise, were safely transitioned to a RTA protocol, and recovered within 10 days. Exercise-intolerant patients had high clinical indicators, significant symptom exacerbation at 4.2 ± 1.6 minutes of exercise, and prolonged recovery of 45.6 days. No adverse effects from exercise were reported in either group. Combined use of provocative exercise and clinical testing was 93% predictive of outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise testing during the subacute phase after a concussion can predict longer recovery. Exercise testing can identify a unique window where patients can be safely transitioned to activity, enabling clinicians to better inform patients and families, allocate resources and streamline care.

Concussion Management Practices for Youth Who Are Slow to Recover: A Survey of Canadian Rehabilitation Clinicians

Purpose: The objective of this study was to estimate the scope of concussion management practices for youth used by Canadian rehabilitation clinicians. A secondary objective was to determine the use of aerobic exercise as a management strategy. Method: Members of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, and Canadian Physiotherapy Association were invited to participate in an online cross-sectional survey. Two clinical vignettes were provided with a brief history. The respondents were asked about the type of treatments they would provide (e.g., manual therapy, education, aerobic exercise, return-to-learn or return-to-play protocol, goal setting). Results: The survey was completed by 555 clinicians. The top five treatment options were education, sleep recommendations, goal setting, energy management, and manual therapy. Just more than one-third of the clinicians prescribed aerobic exercise. Having a high caseload of patients with concussion (75%-100%) was a significant predictor of prescribing aerobic exercise. Conclusions: A wide variety of treatment options were selected, although the most common were education, sleep recommendations, energy management, and goal setting. Few clinicians used aerobic exercise as part of their concussion management strategy.

Dual-Task Gait Recovery after Concussion among Female and Male Collegiate Athletes

PURPOSE

Few studies have investigated recovery between sexes using objective outcome measures. Our purpose was to examine the independent association between biological sex and recovery of postconcussion gait among collegiate athletes.

METHODS

We evaluated participants with a diagnosed concussion <7 d postinjury, and approximately 1.5 months and 3.5 months postinjury. Participants completed a single/dual-task gait evaluation and symptom inventory. During dual-task trials, they completed a mental task (backward subtraction, spelling, or month recitation). The primary outcome measure was height-adjusted gait velocity recovery, defined as achieving normal gait velocity using established values: >0.56 and >0.50 gait velocity (m·s)/height (m) under single and dual-task conditions, respectively. We used a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model to identify associations between sex and dual-task recovery, controlling for age, concussion history, symptom severity, and loss of consciousness at the time of injury.

RESULTS

Ninety-four individuals participated in the study: 47 (50%) were female athletes (mean age = 20.1, SD = 1.3 yr) and 47 (50%) were male athletes (mean age = 20.3, SD = 1.3 yr). Sex was not independently associated with height-adjusted single-task gait velocity recovery after controlling for potential confounders (hazard ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval = 0.87-3.01). However, male sex was independently associated with longer dual-task gait recovery time after controlling for potential confounders (hazard ratio = 2.43, 95% confidence interval = 1.11-5.35).

CONCLUSION

Male athletes required a longer duration of time after concussion to achieve dual-task gait recovery than female athletes. Thus, functional dual-task abilities after concussion may be affected differentially by sex and should be accounted for within individualized concussion management strategies.

Best Practices for Progressive Return to Activity after Concussion: Lessons Learned from a Prospective Study of U.S. Military Service Members

Primary care providers can play a crucial role in the clinical management of concussion. However, many providers lack up-to-date information about best practices for rest and return to activity after these injuries. Most research on this topic has been conducted in athletes, and so less is known about how to assist patients with returning to activity in other settings and populations. This article provides a review of best practices for management of progressive return to activity after concussion, with an emphasis on "lessons learned" from the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) Progressive Return to Activity (PRA) study, a multi-site longitudinal research project conducted to evaluate concussion management practices and the effectiveness of provider training on DVBIC clinical recommendations (CRs). Provider clinical practices and patient outcomes were examined at three U.S. military treatment facilities before and after providers completed a standardized training on DVBIC PRA CRs. In summary, research findings provide additional support that concussion recovery can be influenced by patients' activity levels after injury. Patients with concussion may experience poorer outcomes if they return to pre-injury levels of activity too rapidly, but they may also be at risk for prolonged symptoms if they fail to increase activity levels over time after an initial period of rest. Additionally, training primary care providers in return to activity guidelines can result in more effective patient education and better clinical outcomes. This knowledge can be used to inform best practices for progressive return to activity in both civilian and military settings.

Addition of Occupational Therapy to an Interdisciplinary Concussion Clinic Improves Identification of Functional Impairments

BACKGROUND

Concussions, or mild traumatic brain injuries, are prevalent among youth and young adults. These injuries may disrupt a person's daily activities (occupations) including school, physical activity, work, and socialization. Rehabilitation professionals, such as occupational therapists (OTs), are experts in providing individualized intervention to address these temporary life changes during recovery.

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to identify the benefit of having an occupational therapy practitioner on an interdisciplinary treatment team when providing intervention to patients with concussion.

SETTING

Concussion clinic at an academic institution.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants ages 12 to 24 years with a reported history of mild traumatic brain injury or concussion were evaluated by a physician, or by a physician and OT, in an initial evaluation appointment.

DESIGN

A single researcher (OT) with training in concussion qualitatively compared reported impacted occupational domains as defined in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, using both a retrospective and a prospective cohort. The prospective group differed from the retrospective group in that an OT was present, and participated in the initial evaluation.

RESULTS

The domains of performance patterns (P = .007) and performance skills (P ≤ .001) were identified significantly more often when an occupational therapy practitioner participated in the initial evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Rehabilitation professionals, such as OTs, play an important role in identifying impacted domains after a concussion, which can help optimize patient care.