David R Howell1, Corrine N Seehusen2, Gregory A Walker3, Sarah Reinking2, Julie C Wilson4. 1. Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA. Electronic address: David.Howell@CUAnschutz.edu. 2. Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA. 3. Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA. 4. Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of an 8-week neuromuscular training program initiated upon return-to-play clearance following concussion. DESIGN: Feasibility trial. SETTING: A single sports medicine center. PARTICIPANTS: We approached n = 54 patients; n = 32 agreed to participate (59%). N = 27 participants returned for their second visit at return-to-play clearance (84%) and were randomized to neuromuscular training (n = 13) or standard-of-care (n = 14). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed three assessments: within 14 days post-concussion, immediately after return-to-play clearance, and 8-weeks following return-to-play clearance. The intervention aimed to achieve positive neuromuscular adaptations and occurred 2x/week for 8 weeks under supervision. RESULTS: N = 2 participants randomized to the intervention elected not to participate, both due to schedule conflicts (e.g., time required to meet with the study team). Participants began the intervention an average of 11 days after return-to-play clearance, the majority (91%) completed >75% of training sessions, and training sessions lasted an average of 18.2 ± 4.8 min. One participant stopped the intervention after 7 training sessions due to time availability. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to initiate a neuromuscular training program for most athletes shortly after returning to play following concussion. Clinicians and researchers may consider this approach to mitigate the increased musculoskeletal injury risk for concussion patients returning to sports.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of an 8-week neuromuscular training program initiated upon return-to-play clearance following concussion. DESIGN: Feasibility trial. SETTING: A single sports medicine center. PARTICIPANTS: We approached n = 54 patients; n = 32 agreed to participate (59%). N = 27 participants returned for their second visit at return-to-play clearance (84%) and were randomized to neuromuscular training (n = 13) or standard-of-care (n = 14). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed three assessments: within 14 days post-concussion, immediately after return-to-play clearance, and 8-weeks following return-to-play clearance. The intervention aimed to achieve positive neuromuscular adaptations and occurred 2x/week for 8 weeks under supervision. RESULTS: N = 2 participants randomized to the intervention elected not to participate, both due to schedule conflicts (e.g., time required to meet with the study team). Participants began the intervention an average of 11 days after return-to-play clearance, the majority (91%) completed >75% of training sessions, and training sessions lasted an average of 18.2 ± 4.8 min. One participant stopped the intervention after 7 training sessions due to time availability. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to initiate a neuromuscular training program for most athletes shortly after returning to play following concussion. Clinicians and researchers may consider this approach to mitigate the increased musculoskeletal injury risk for concussion patients returning to sports.
Authors: Jessie R Oldham; David R Howell; Christopher A Knight; Jeremy R Crenshaw; Thomas A Buckley Journal: Med Sci Sports Exerc Date: 2020-11 Impact factor: 5.411
Authors: Joshua Kamins; Erin Bigler; Tracey Covassin; Luke Henry; Simon Kemp; John J Leddy; Andrew Mayer; Michael McCrea; Mayumi Prins; Kathryn J Schneider; Tamara C Valovich McLeod; Roger Zemek; Christopher C Giza Journal: Br J Sports Med Date: 2017-04-28 Impact factor: 13.800