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Abstract
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INTRODUCTION: Physical and mental activity post-concussion has received renewed attention to improve concussion management, however most protocols start after several days and do not assess the acute window. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess physical and mental activity in the first 48 hours post-concussion on the time to symptom free status and return to play.
METHODS: We recruited 78 NCAA Division I athletes (Male: 51.3%, Age: 19.6 ± 1.4 y.o., Height: 173.7 ± 11.5 cm, Weight: 80.1 ± 23.2 kg) who were diagnosed with a sports related concussion. Participants completed a 0 - 5 physical activity (PA) and mental activity (MA) scale daily until fully cleared for return to participation (mean: 15.1 ± 6.9 days). A quadratic model regression assessed PA and MA over the first two days (acute) post-concussion on to time to symptom free and return to play.
RESULTS: The overall model was significant for both time to symptom free (r2 = 0.27, p = 0.004) and return to play (r2 = 0.23, p = 0.019). Reported PA was the only significant predictor for time to symptom free (p = 0.002) and RTP (p = 0.006) day. Reported MA was not associated either outcome.
CONCLUSION: The primary finding of this study was that mild to moderate PA acutely post-concussion was associated with reduced time to symptom free and return-to-participation as opposed to either lower or higher levels of PA. Conversely, acute MA was not associated with recovery outcomes. These results further elucidate the role of post-concussion physical activity.
Language: en |