Karen A Sullivan1,2,3, Andrew P Hills4, Grant L Iverson5,6,7,8. 1. School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. karen.sullivan@qut.edu.au. 2. Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. karen.sullivan@qut.edu.au. 3. O Block B Wing, Kelvin Grove Campus, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, 4059, Australia. karen.sullivan@qut.edu.au. 4. College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. 5. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. 6. Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. 7. MassGeneral Hospital for Children™ Sport Concussion Program, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. 8. Home Base, A Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the growing body of indirect and direct evidence that suggests that exercise can be helpful for children, adolescents, and adults with persistent symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). RECENT FINDINGS: The direct evidence shows that graded exercise assessments are safe, and that aerobic exercise interventions are associated with improvement of multiple symptoms and other benefits, including earlier return-to-sport. The indirect evidence supports this approach via studies that reveal the potential mechanisms, and show benefits for related presentations and individual symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, vestibular problems, sleep, stress, anxiety, and depression. We document the forms of exercise used for the post-acute management of mTBI, highlight the knowledge gaps, and provide future research directions. We recommend trialing a new approach that utilizes a graduated program of individually prescribed combined aerobic resistance exercises (CARE) if mTBI symptoms persist. This program has the potential to improve patient outcomes and add to the management options for providers.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the growing body of indirect and direct evidence that suggests that exercise can be helpful for children, adolescents, and adults with persistent symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). RECENT FINDINGS: The direct evidence shows that graded exercise assessments are safe, and that aerobic exercise interventions are associated with improvement of multiple symptoms and other benefits, including earlier return-to-sport. The indirect evidence supports this approach via studies that reveal the potential mechanisms, and show benefits for related presentations and individual symptoms, including headaches, neck pain, vestibular problems, sleep, stress, anxiety, and depression. We document the forms of exercise used for the post-acute management of mTBI, highlight the knowledge gaps, and provide future research directions. We recommend trialing a new approach that utilizes a graduated program of individually prescribed combined aerobic resistance exercises (CARE) if mTBI symptoms persist. This program has the potential to improve patient outcomes and add to the management options for providers.
Authors: Andrea L Dunn; Madhukar H Trivedi; James B Kampert; Camillia G Clark; Heather O Chambliss Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2005-01 Impact factor: 5.043