Exertion Testing in Youth with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion

American Headache Society white paper on treatment of post-traumatic headache from concussion in youth

OBJECTIVE

To provide healthcare professionals guidance on youth at risk for prolonged recovery and post-traumatic headache (PTH), and on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management of PTH due to concussion and mild traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND

Headache is the most common persistent post-concussive symptom affecting 8% of youth for >3 months after concussion. Over the past decade, many studies have explored the treatment of PTH in youth, but there are no established guidelines.

METHODS

This white paper is based on a synthesis of an updated systematic review of the literature on treatment of PTH and a narrative review of the literature on risk factors for prolonged recovery and health disparities. Results were interpreted by a group of expert providers in PTH in children and adolescents through collaboration of the PTH and pediatric special interest groups of the American Headache Society.

RESULTS

Factors that consistently were associated with prolonged recovery from concussion and persistent PTH included female sex, a high number of acute symptoms, and adolescent age. Social determinants of health also likely play an important role in PTH and deserve consideration in the clinical and research settings. A total of 33 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review of PTH treatment in youth, although most were retrospective and of fair-to-poor quality. Treatment strategies included acute and preventive pharmacologic management, procedures, neuro-modulatory devices, physical therapy, physical activity, and behavioral health support. A collaborative care approach that includes a thoughtful combination of these management strategies is likely most effective.

CONCLUSIONS

This white paper provides a roadmap for tailoring the treatment of PTH based on factors influencing prolonged headache, the timing of therapies, and therapies with the most evidence for treating PTH in youth. We also highlight research needed for developing more definitive guidelines on PTH management in youth.

Comparison of the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test With a Physiologically Informed Cycle Test: Calgary Concussion Cycle Test

BACKGROUND

Sport-related concussions are a complex injury requiring multifaceted assessment, including physical exertion. Currently, concussion testing relies primarily on a treadmill-based protocol for assessing exertion-related symptoms in persons after concussion. This study compared a modified cycle protocol (Calgary Concussion Cycle Test [CCCT]) with the clinically adopted standard, the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT), across multiple physiological parameters.

HYPOTHESIS

Treadmill and cycle matched workload protocols would produce similar results for cerebral blood velocity, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PETCO2), but heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) would be higher on the treadmill than the cycle modality.

STUDY DESIGN

Crossover study design.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

METHODS

A total of 17 healthy adults (8 men, 9 women; age, 26 ± 3 years; body mass index, 23.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2) completed the BCTT and CCCT protocols, 7 days apart in a randomized order. During both exertional protocols, the physiological parameters measured were middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (MCAv), MAP, PETCO2, VO2, and HR. Analysis of variance with effect size computations, coefficient of variation, and Bland-Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement were used to compare exercise tests.

RESULTS

The BCTT and CCCT produced comparable results for both male and female participants with no significant differences for average MCAv, MAP, and PETCO2 (all P > 0.05; all generalized eta squared [η2G] < 0.02 [negligible]; P value range, 0.29-0.99) between stages. When accounting for exercise stage and modality, VO2 (P < 0.01) and HR (P < 0.01) were higher on the treadmill compared with the cycle. Aside from the final few stages, all physiology measures displayed good-to-excellent agreeability/variability.

CONCLUSION

The CCCT was physiologically similar to the BCTT in terms of MCAv, PETCO2, and MAP; however, HR and VO2 differed between modalities.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Providing a cycle-based modality to exertional testing after injury mayincrease accessibility to determine symptom thresholds in the future.

Comparison of effectiveness between different interventions in postconcussive symptoms in adolescents and young people: a literature review

INTRODUCTION

Currently, concussion considers a problem of great magnitude, adolescents and young people being the population at risk, since it is in the process of maturation. Our goal has been to compare the effectiveness of different interventions (exercise therapy, vestibular rehabilitation and rest) in adolescents and young people with concussion.

DEVELOPMENT

A bibliographic search was carried out in the main databases. Once the inclusion/exclusion criteria and the PEDro methodological scale were applied, 6 articles were reviewed. The results support the use of exercise and vestibular rehabilitation in the initial stages to reduce post-concussion symptoms. According to most authors, therapeutic physical exercise and vestibular rehabilitation report greater benefits, although a protocol that unifies assessment scales, study variables and analysis parameters would be needed to be able to make the inference in the target population. CONCLUSIóN: From the moment of hospital discharge, the combined application of exercise and vestibular rehabilitation could be the best option to reduce post-concussion symptoms.

Targeted multidomain intervention for complex mTBI: protocol for a multisite randomized controlled trial in military-age civilians

Background

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) affects ~18,000 military personnel each year, and although most will recover in 3-4 weeks, many experience persisting symptoms and impairment lasting months or longer. Current standard of care for U.S. military personnel with complex mTBI involves initial (<48 h) prescribed rest, followed by behavioral (e.g., physical activity, sleep regulation, stress reduction, hydration, nutrition), and symptom-guided management. There is growing agreement that mTBI involves different clinical profiles or subtypes that require a comprehensive multidomain evaluation and adjudication process, as well as a targeted approach to treatment. However, there is a lack of research examining the effectiveness of this approach to assessing and treating mTBI. This multisite randomized controlled trial (RCT) will determine the effectiveness of a targeted multidomain (T-MD) intervention (anxiety/mood, cognitive, migraine, ocular, vestibular; and sleep, autonomic) compared to usual care (behavioral management) in military-aged civilians with complex mTBI.

Methods

This study employs a single-blinded, two-group repeated measures design. The RCT will enroll up to 250 military-aged civilians (18-49 yrs) with a diagnosed complex mTBI within 8 days to 6 months of injury from two concussion specialty clinics. The two study arms are a T-MD intervention and a usual care, behavioral management control group. All participants will complete a comprehensive, multidomain clinical evaluation at their first clinical visit. Information gathered from this evaluation will be used to adjudicate mTBI clinical profiles. Participants will then be randomized to either the 4-week T-MD or control arm. The T-MD group will receive targeted interventions that correspond to the patient's clinical profile (s) and the control group will receive behavioral management strategies. Primary outcomes for this study are changes from enrollment to post-intervention on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Time to return to activity (RTA), and healthcare utilization costs will also be assessed.

Discussion

Study findings may inform a more effective approach to treat complex mTBI in military personnel and civilians, reduce morbidity, and accelerate safe return-to-duty/activity.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the University of Pittsburgh Institutional Review board and registered at clinicaltrials.gov. Dissemination plans include peer-reviewed publications and presentations at professional meetings.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT04549532.

Physical Activity Following Sport-Related Concussion in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the evidence related to how physical activity (PA) affects recovery following a sport-related concussion (SRC) in adolescents.

DESIGN

Systematic review Data Source: PUBMED, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus Eligibility criteria for selecting study:(1) original research article (e.g., randomized controlled trials (RCT), quasi-experimental designs, cohort, case-control studies), (2) 66% or greater of the sample has to have a SRC diagnosed by a clinician, (4) human research, (5) evaluate the effect of a SRC on PA in adolescents only (<18 years). Participants were seen within 1-2 weeks post-SRC for acute studies and 4 weeks post-SRC for studies focused on prolonged recoveries.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria (i.e., 8 regarding PA (PA-daily aerobic activity including light-moderate intensities), 8 evaluating active rehabilitation/exercise programs (20 minutes of daily aerobic exercise below symptom threshold), 6 examining a single bout of exertion). The methodological quality of the literature was assessed using the Downs and Black risk of bias (ROB) checklist. The ROB scores ranged from 7-24, with only two RCTs included. Studies demonstrated single bouts of exertion testing were safe and feasible. Daily PA or active rehabilitation/exercise programs led to a reduction in symptoms present and a decrease in number of days to medical clearance.

CONCLUSION

Following a brief period of rest (24-48 hours), individuals can gradually and safely return to PA below their physical symptom exacerbation thresholds. Further research is warranted to delineate how to optimize the timing, intensity, duration, and modality of PA impacts symptom resolution and physiological recovery following SRC.

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.

Clinical application of the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test and the Buffalo Concussion Bike Test: A systematic review

Objective

To identify and synthesise research evidence regarding psychometric properties and clinical utility of the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) and Buffalo Concussion Bike Test (BCBT) for use with patients with acute concussion, post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or physiological post-concussion disorder (PPCD).

Data sources

ProQuest (ProQuest Central), PEDro, Medline (Ovid), Emcare (Ovid), EBSCOhost (Health collection) and Google Scholar, searched September 8th-12th, 2020.

Study selection

Two authors independently selected studies that met eligibility criteria. Studies were selected if they were original research of any design, that investigated the properties of the testing protocols in either concussed or uninjured participants. Articles not published in English, that were not original research or that used significantly different testing protocols were excluded. The search yielded 250 articles, 11 of which were eligible and included in this review.

Data extraction

Included studies were critically appraised independently by two authors, using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data relating to study characteristics and key findings were extracted from the studies, documented in tables, and used to inform a critical narrative synthesis of findings.

Data synthesis

To provide recommendations relating to each aim of the review, a strength of evidence scoring system was used. Available evidence supported use of the BCTT, with strong evidence supporting the safety and construct validity of the test and moderate evidence supporting its prognostic value. There has been very limited research investigating use of the BCBT.

Conclusion

The findings support a recommendation for use of the BCTT in clinical settings for management of acute concussion, PCS and PPCD. There is limited evidence available for the BCBT. Additional studies are needed of both tests to further establish their clinical value.

Autonomic cardiovascular response during and after a graded exercise test in concussed athletes and healthy controls

Objective

Dysfunction of the autonomic cardiovascular system after a concussion is known to cause exercise intolerance due to symptoms exacerbation. The aim of this study was to compare athletes with symptoms of a sport-related concussion and healthy controls with regard to their heart rate during a graded exercise test and their heart rate recovery during the 5 min cool-down after the graded exercise test.

Methods

Sport-related concussion patients ( N = 61; 31% female) and controls ( N = 16; 50% female) participated in a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer followed by 5 min active cool-down. Based on the results of graded exercise tests they were divided into four groups: (1) patients who reached the symptom threshold and had to stop the graded exercise test (symptom threshold; N = 39; 33.3% female), (2) patients with symptoms who finished the graded exercise test (S; N = 16; 25% female), (3) patients without symptoms (NS; N = 6; 33.3% female), (4) controls ( N = 16; 50% female).

Main outcome measures

Heart rate, severity of headache and dizziness during graded exercise test, heart rate recovery (median (heart rate recoveries/maximal heart rate) ± median absolute deviation (MAD)) 30, 60 and 300 s after the start of cool-down.

Results

Heart rate recovery at 30 s was significantly slower in symptom (0.95 ± 0.01) compared to all other groups ( p < 0.002; symptom threshold: 0.92 ± 0.02, NS: 0.91 ± 0.02, controls: 0.93 ± 0.02). Heart rate recovery at 60 s was significantly slower in symptom (0.90 ± 0.02) compared to the symptom threshold and controls ( p < 0.041; 0.86 ± 0.03, 0.85 ± 0.04). Heart rate recovery at 300 s was significantly slower in symptom threshold (0.72 ± 0.05) compared to controls ( p = 0.003; 0.66 ± 0.02).

Conclusions

Heart rate measurements in athletes with symptoms of sport-related concussion should be continued during cool-down after the graded exercise test, as dysfunction of the autonomic cardiovascular system might manifest also during cool-down.

Acute and chronic management of posttraumatic headache in children: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this paper is to provide a compilation of the evidence for the treatment of posttraumatic headache (PTH) in the pediatric population. Headache features and timing of therapy were considered.

BACKGROUND

Headache is the most common symptom following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), affecting more than 80% of children and adolescents. It is unclear whether treatment for PTH should be tailored based on headache characteristics, particularly the presence of migraine features, and/or chronicity of the headache.

METHODS

Systematic literature searches of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases (1985-2021, limited to English) were performed, and key characteristics of included studies were entered into RedCAP^® (Prospero ID CRD42020198703). Articles and conference abstracts that described randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, retrospective analyses, and case series were included. Participants included youth under 18 years of age with acute (<3 months) and persistent (≥3 months) PTH. Studies that commented on headache improvement in response to therapy were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven unique studies met criteria for inclusion describing abortive pharmacologic therapies (9), preventative pharmacotherapies (5), neuromodulation (1), procedures (5), physical therapy and exercise (6), and behavioral therapy (2). Five RCTs were identified. Studies that focused on abortive pharmacotherapies were completed in the first 2 weeks post-mTBI, whereas other treatment modalities focused on outcomes 1 month to over 1-year post-injury. Few studies reported on migrainous features (7), personal history of migraine (7), or family history of migraine (3).

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited evidence on the timing and types of therapies that are effective for treating PTH in the pediatric population. Prospective studies that account for headache characteristics and thoughtfully address the timing of therapies and outcome measurement are needed.

Concurrent Validity of a Stationary Cycling Test and the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test in Adults With Concussion

CONTEXT

After concussion, a multifaceted assessment is recommended, including tests of physical exertion. The current criterion standard for exercise testing after concussion is the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT); however, validated tests that use alternative exercise modalities are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and concurrent validity of a universal cycling test of exertion compared with the BCTT in adults who sustained a sport-related concussion.

DESIGN

Crossover study.

SETTING

University sports medicine clinic.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Twenty adults (age = 18-60 years) diagnosed with a sport-related concussion.

INTERVENTION(S)

Participants completed the BCTT and a cycling test of exertion in random order, approximately 48 hours apart.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The primary outcome of interest was maximum heart rate (HRmax; beats per minute [bpm]). Secondary outcomes of interest were the total number of symptoms endorsed on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, whether the participant reached volitional fatigue (yes or no), the symptom responsible for test cessation (Post-Concussion Symptom Scale), maximum rating of perceived exertion, symptom severity on a visual scale (0-10), and the time to test cessation.

RESULTS

Of the 20 participants, 19 (10 males, 9 females) completed both tests. One participant did not return for the second test and was excluded from the analysis. No adverse events were reported. The median HRmax for the BCTT (171 bpm; interquartile range = 139-184 bpm) was not different from the median HRmax for the cycle (173 bpm; interquartile range = 160-182 bpm; z = -0.63; P = .53). For both tests, the 3 most frequently reported symptoms responsible for test cessation were headache, dizziness, and pressure in the head. Of interest, most participants (64%) reported a different symptom responsible for cessation of each test.

CONCLUSIONS

On the novel cycling test of exertion, participants achieved similar HRmax and test durations and, therefore, this test may be a suitable alternative to the BCTT. Future research to understand the physiological reason for the heterogeneity in symptoms responsible for test cessation is warranted.

Exercise for Sport-Related Concussion and Persistent Postconcussive Symptoms

CONTEXT

Emerging research supports the use of mild to moderate aerobic exercise for treating sport-related concussion (SRC) and persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS), yet the current standard of care remains to be strict rest. The purpose of this review is to summarize the existing literature on physical activity and prescribed exercise for SRC and PPCS.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed and Embase were searched in April of 2019 for studies assessing rest or prescribed exercise for SRC and PPCS. No specific search syntax was used.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

RESULTS

A majority of studies show that spontaneous physical activity is safe after SRC and that subsymptom threshold aerobic exercise safely speeds up recovery after SRC and reduces symptoms in those with PPCS. Exercise tolerance can safely be assessed using graded exertion test protocols within days of injury, and the degree of early exercise tolerance has diagnostic and prognostic value.

CONCLUSION

Subsymptom threshold aerobic exercise is safe and effective for the treatment of SRC as well as in athletes with PPCS. Further research is warranted to establish the most effective method and dose of aerobic exercise for the active treatment of SRC and whether early exercise treatment can prevent PPCS in athletes.

STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION TAXONOMY

2.

Rehabilitation of Sport-Related Concussion

This article provides a summary of clinical assessment methods and nonpharmacologic rehabilitation techniques used for concussed patients. It describes concussion-relevant physical examination methods to identify underlying symptom generators. This approach allows practitioners to prescribe targeted rehabilitation therapies to treat postconcussion symptoms. Evidence-based rehabilitation approaches include cervical rehabilitation, vestibulo-ocular rehabilitation, and sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise.

Changes in exertion-related symptoms in adults and youth who have sustained a sport-related concussion

OBJECTIVES

To identify the symptoms responsible for cessation of exercise testing and evaluate changes in post-concussion symptom scores on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) from the Sport-Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT5) immediately, 1-4h, and 6-12h following completion of the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) in youth and adults who have sustained a sport-related concussion.

DESIGN

Prospective case-series.

METHODS

Individuals who were diagnosed with a sport-related concussion and self-reported difficulties with exertion were referred to perform an exertional treadmill test. Individuals were recruited from a university sports medicine clinic. Change in PCSS symptom severity scores were operationally defined as a change ≥4 points.

RESULTS

Forty-five individuals aged 13-57 years consented to participate. A total of 14/24 (58.3%) female and 13/21 (61.9%) male participants reported an increase in symptom severity scores immediately following the BCTT. At 1-4h, 5/10 (50.0%) males and 5/14 (35.7%) females who completed the PCSS had elevated symptom severity scores compared to pre-exertion. Only 24.2% (3/17 males and 5/16 females) of participants completing the PCSS at 6-12h reported increased symptom severity scores.

CONCLUSION

Exertional testing is an important component of a multifaceted assessment following concussion; however, previous research evaluating symptom responses to exertion is limited. This study provides evidence to suggest individuals who experience an exacerbation of concussion-associated symptoms after exertion are likely to return to pre-exertion levels within the same day. Future research monitoring symptoms following exertion and throughout recovery should be performed in tandem with physiological measures to better understand the source of symptoms.

Physical Therapy Evaluation and Treatment After Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Over the last decade, numerous concussion evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), consensus statements, and clinical guidance documents have been published. These documents have typically focused on the diagnosis of concussion and medical management of individuals post concussion, but provide little specific guidance for physical therapy management of concussion and its associated impairments. Further, many of these guidance documents have targeted specific populations in specific care contexts. The primary purpose of this CPG is to provide a set of evidence-based recommendations for physical therapist management of the wide spectrum of patients who have experienced a concussive event. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(4):CPG1-CPG73. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.0301.

Association of Time Since Injury to the First Clinic Visit With Recovery Following Concussion

Importance

Recovery after concussion varies, with adolescents taking longer (approximately 30 days) than adults. Many factors have been reported to influence recovery, including preinjury factors, perceptions about recovery, comorbid conditions, and sex. However, 1 factor that may play a role in recovery but has received little attention from researchers is the timeliness of clinical evaluation and care.

Objective

To investigate the association of time since injury with initiation of clinical care on recovery time following concussion.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in a sports medicine clinic between August 2016 and March 2018. Eligible participants were aged 12 to 22 years and had a diagnosed, symptomatic concussion; patients were excluded if recovery data were incomplete. Participants were divided into 2 groups: those seen within 7 days of the injury (early) vs between 8 and 20 days of the injury (late). Data were analyzed between June 2019 and August 2019.

Exposures

Time from injury (concussion) to initiation of clinical care.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Recovery time; testing with the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, and Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening instruments; demographic factors, medical history, and injury information.

Results

A total of 416 individuals were eligible, and 254 (61.1%) were excluded, leaving 162 (38.9%) in analyses. The early group (98 patients) and late group (64 patients) did not differ in age (mean [SD] age, early, 15.3 [1.6] years; late, 15.4 [1.6] years), number of female patients (early, 51 of 98 [52.0%]; late, 40 of 64 [62.5%]), or other demographic, medical history, or injury information. The groups also were similar on symptom severity, cognitive, ocular, and vestibular outcomes at the first clinic visit. Results from a logistical regression supported being in the late group (adjusted odds ratio, 5.8 [95% CI, 1.9-17.6]; P = .001) and visual motion sensitivity symptoms greater than 2 (adjusted odds ratio, 4.5 [95% CI, 1.1-18.0]; P = .04) as factors significantly associated with recovery time.

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings suggest that earlier initiation of clinical care is associated with faster recovery after concussion. Other factors may also influence recovery time. Further research is needed to determine the role of active rehabilitation and treatment strategies, as well as demographic factors, medical history, and injury characteristics on the current findings.

Pre-frontal Cortex Oxygenation Changes During Aerobic Exercise in Elite Athletes Experiencing Sport-Related Concussion

Aims: Recent research suggests that aerobic exercise can be performed safely within the first week following a concussion injury and that early initiation of exercise may speed recovery. To better understand the physiological changes during a concussion, we tested the hypothesis that mild-to-intense exercise testing can be performed within days immediately following injury, and can be used to discern differences between the concussed and normal healthy state. Thus, the purpose was to observe the cerebral hemodynamic responses to incremental exercise testing performed acutely post-concussion in high-performance athletes. Methods: This study was a within- and between-experimental design, with seven male university ice hockey teams participating. A subgroup of five players acted as control subjects (CON) and was tested at the same time as the 14 concussed (mTBI) players on Day 2, 4, and 7 post-concussion. A 5-min resting baseline and 5-min exercise bouts of mild (EX1), moderate (EX2), and high (EX3) intensity exercise were performed on a cycle ergometer. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor pre-frontal cortex oxy-haemoglobin (HbO2), deoxy-haemoglobin (HHb), and total blood volume (tHb) changes. Results: ANOVA compared differences between testing days and groups, and although large percentage changes in HbO2 (20-30%), HHb (30-40%), and tHb (30-40%) were recorded, no significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in cerebral hemodynamics occurred between mTBI vs. CON during aerobic exercise testing on any day post-injury. Furthermore, there was a linear relationship between exercise intensity vs. cerebral hemodynamics during testing for each day (r 2 = 0.83-0.99). Conclusion: These results demonstrate two novel findings: (1) mild-to-intense aerobic exercise testing can be performed safely as early as Day 2 post-concussion injury in a controlled laboratory environment; and (2) evidence-based objective measures such as cerebral hemodynamics can easily be collected using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to monitor physiological changes during the first-week post-injury. This research has important implications for monitoring physiological recovery post-injury and establishing new rehabilitation guidelines.

Concussion Management for Children Has Changed: New Pediatric Protocols Using the Latest Evidence

Return to activity (RTA) and return to school (RTS) are important issues in pediatric concussion management. This study aims to update CanChild's 2015 RTA and RTS protocols, on the basis of empirical data and feedback collected from our recently completed prospective cohort study, focusing on concussed children and their caregivers; systematic review of evidence published since 2015; and consultation with concussion management experts. The new protocols highlight differences from the earlier versions, mainly, (1) symptom strata to allow quicker progression for those who recover most quickly; (2) a shortened rest period (24-48 hours) accompanied by symptom-guided activity; (3) the recommendation that children progress through the stages before they are symptom free, if symptoms have decreased and do not worsen with activity; (4) specific activity suggestions at each stage of the RTA protocol; (5) recommendations for the amount of time to spend per stage; and (6) integration of RTS and RTA.

Considerations for Diagnosis and Management of Concussion

Concussion is an ongoing concern for health care providers. The incidence rates continue to be high and the rate of recovery is variable due to potential risk factors. With no valid biomarkers, diagnosis and assessment of concussion remain a clinical challenge. The heterogeneity in presentation following injury provides an additional level of complexity, requiring the screening and evaluation of diverse body systems, including oculomotor, vestibular, autonomic, psychiatric, cervical, and cognitive symptoms. While a few tools, such as the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening and Balance Error Scoring System, have been developed specifically for concussion, the vast majority of tests are adapted from other conditions. Further complicating the process is the overlapping and interactive nature of the multiple domains of postconcussion presentation. This commentary illustrates how clinicians can conceptualize the multiple profiles that present following concussion and describes tools that are available to assist with screening and evaluation of each area. The multifaceted nature of concussion warrants broad clinical screening skills and an interdisciplinary approach to management. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(11):787-798. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8855.

What Comes First: Return to School or Return to Activity for Youth After Concussion? Maybe We Don't Have to Choose

Objectives: Return to School (RTS) and Return to Activity/Play (RTA) protocols are important in concussion management. Minimal evidence exists as to sequence and whether progression can occur simultaneously. Experts recommend that children/youth fully return to school before beginning RTA protocols. This study investigates recovery trajectories of children/youth while following RTA and RTS protocols simultaneously, with the following objectives: (1) to compare rates and patterns of progression through the stages of both protocols; (2) to evaluate symptom trajectories of youth post-concussion while progressing through stages of RTS and RTA; and (3) to propose a new model for concussion management in youth that involves the integration of Return to Activity and Return to School protocols. Methods: In a 3-year prospective-cohort study of 139 children/youth aged 5-18 years with concussive injury, self-reported symptoms using PCSS and stage of protocols were evaluated every 48 h using electronic surveys until full return to school and activity/sport were attained. Information regarding school accommodation and achievement was collected. Results: Sample mean age is 13 years, 46% male. Youth are returning to school with accommodations significantly quicker than RTA (p = 0.001). Significant negative correlations between total PCSS score and stage of RTS protocol were found at: 1-week (r = -0.376, p < 0.0001; r = -0.317, p = 0.0003), 1-month (r = -0.483, p < 0.0001; r = -0.555, p < 0.0001), and 3-months (r = -0.598, p < 0.0001; r = -0.617, p < 0.0001); indicating lower symptom scores correlated with higher guideline stages. Median full return to school time is 35 days with 21% of youth symptomatic at full return. Median return time to full sport competition is 38 days with 15% still symptomatic. Sixty-four percent of youth reported experiencing school problems during recovery and 30% at symptom resolution, with 31% reporting a drop in their grades during recovery and 18% at study completion. Conclusions: Children/youth return to school faster than they return to play in spite of the self-reported, school-related symptoms they experience while moving through the protocols. Youth can progress simultaneously through the RTS and RTA protocols during stages 1-3. Considering the numbers of youth having school difficulties post-concussion, full contact sport, stage 6, of RTA, should be delayed until full and successful reintegration back to school has been achieved. In light of the huge variability in recovery, determining how to resume participation in activities despite ongoing symptoms is still the challenge for each individual child. There is much to be learned with further research needed in this area.

The use of an intensive physical exertion test as a final return to play measure in concussed athletes: a prospective cohort

OBJECTIVES

To examine the utility of a novel physical exertion test developed by the Chicago Blackhawks medical staff as a final return to play (RTP) clearance test in youth and young adult athletes, and to determine the relationship between participant and test variables on RTP within asymptomatic athletes diagnosed with concussion.

METHODS

Once asymptomatic and following completion of all RTP steps, concussed athletes underwent the Gapski-Goodman Test (GGT) or modified GGT (mGGT) at partnered Complete Concussion Management Inc. (CCMI) clinics as part of RTP decision-making. Prospective data was collected electronically by trained CCMI clinicians utilizing the CCMI Concussion Database System. A review was conducted to examine data collected between January 2016 and February 2017. Participant and test variables were analyzed to determine relationships with pass/fail rate of the GGT/mGGT.

RESULTS

A total of 759 athletes performed the GGT/mGGT in the study period. Although all asymptomatic, 14.6% of concussed athletes failed the GGT/mGGT while attempting to achieve RTP clearance. Statistically significant relationships were found between failure of the test and symptom severity score on initial presentation and self-reported history of pre-morbid anxiety. When taken together, sex, age, and pre-morbid anxiety significantly predicted the length of time between injury and RTP clearance.

CONCLUSION

The GGT may identify individuals who are not ready to RTP despite a self-reported asymptomatic status and completion of all RTP steps. These results illustrate that RTP clearance decisions based on self-reported asymptomatic status at rest may be inadequate. Instead, monitored, intensive, sport-specific, physical exertion testing should be utilized to inform clinical RTP decisions.

Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Aerobic Training and Common Sport-Related Concussion Outcomes in Healthy Participants

CONTEXT

Aerobic exercise interventions are increasingly being prescribed for concussion rehabilitation, but whether aerobic training protocols influence clinical concussion diagnosis and management assessments is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a brief aerobic exercise intervention on clinical concussion outcomes in healthy, active participants.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

Laboratory.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Healthy (uninjured) participants (n = 40) who exercised ≥3 times/week.

INTERVENTION(S)

Participants were randomized into the acute concussion therapy intervention (ACTIVE) training or nontraining group. All participants completed symptom, cognitive, balance, and vision assessments during 2 test sessions approximately 14 days apart. Participants randomized to ACTIVE training completed six 30-minute exercise sessions that progressed from 60% to 80% of individualized maximal oxygen consumption (V˙o₂max) across test sessions, while the nontraining group received no intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The CNS Vital Signs standardized scores, Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening near-point convergence distance (cm), and Graded Symptom Checklist, Balance Error Scoring System, and Standardized Assessment of Concussion total scores.

RESULTS

An interaction effect was found for total symptom score ( P = .01); the intervention group had improved symptom scores between sessions (session 1: 5.1 ± 5.8; session 2: 1.9 ± 3.6). Cognitive flexibility, executive functioning, reasoning, and total symptom score outcomes were better but composite memory, verbal memory, and near-point convergence distance scores were worse at the second session (all P values < .05). However, few changes exceeded the 80% reliable change indices calculated for this study, and effect sizes were generally small to negligible.

CONCLUSIONS

A brief aerobic training protocol had few meaningful effects on clinical concussion assessment in healthy participants, suggesting that current concussion-diagnostic and -assessment tools remain clinically stable in response to aerobic exercise training. This provides normative data for future researchers, who should further evaluate the effect of ACTIVE training on clinical outcomes among concussed populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT02872480.

Cortical activity and network organization underlying physical and cognitive exertion in active young adult athletes: Implications for concussion

OBJECTIVES

To examine the neurophysiological correlates and brain network organization underlying physical and cognitive exertion in active young adults.

DESIGN

Repeated measures.

METHODS

Thirteen healthy adults completed three exertion tasks in a counterbalanced order: a graded working memory task (anti-saccade and serial addition task (ASAT)), a graded exercise task (cycling on a stationary bicycle) (EX) and a combined graded working memory and exercise task (ASAT+EX). All three tasks were performed under five levels of increasing difficulty. Continuous EEG was recorded in each session. Heart rate, perceived exertion and accuracy on the working memory task were recorded throughout. Power spectrum analysis and graph theoretical analysis was applied to the EEG data.

RESULTS

Heart rate and perceived exertion increased with exercise load and in both the EX only and ASAT+EX tasks. Overall accuracy was equally high for the ASAT and ASAT+EX tasks. Analysis of EEG data showed there was an increase in theta power associated with the ASAT+EX task and increase in functional connectivity in the frontal regions of the brain compared with ASAT only task. Accuracy decreased in the last two blocks when the task was most difficult. This decrease in accuracy was associated with a decrease in theta power and a decrease in functional connectivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined physical and mental exertion results in significant changes in perceived exertion, EEG theta power and network organization in healthy adults and will be valuable in revealing residual neurocognitive deficits after sports related concussion.

Exercise is Medicine for Concussion

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a physiological brain injury that produces cerebral and systemic effects, including exercise intolerance. Exercise intolerance after concussion is believed to be the result of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Ventilation is inappropriately low for the level of exercise intensity, raising arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. Elevated PaCO2 increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) out of proportion to exercise intensity, which is associated with symptoms that limit exercise performance. Thus, elevated exercise PaCO2 may signal incomplete recovery from SRC. This article reviews recent observational and experimental data and presents the evidence that subthreshold aerobic exercise normalizes the cerebrovascular physiological dysfunction and is "medicine" for patients with concussion and persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS). It discusses the systematic evaluation of exercise tolerance after concussion using the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) and reviews the utility of the Buffalo Concussion Bike Test (BCBT), the data from which are used to establish an individualized heart rate "dose" of subthreshold exercise to safely speed recovery, which also may work in the acute recovery phase after SRC with the potential to reduce the incidence of PPCS. Evaluation and treatment approaches based on the physiology of concussion suggest that exercise is medicine for concussion, potentially adding a new dimension to concussion care to help safely speed recovery and prevent PPCS in some patients.

Exertional Tolerance Assessments After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature to identify and summarize strategies for evaluating responses to physical exertion after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) for clinical and research purposes.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and EBSCOhost through December 31, 2016.

STUDY SELECTION

Two independent reviewers selected studies based on the following criteria: (1) inclusion of participants with mTBI/concussion, (2) use of a measurement of physiological or psychosomatic response to exertion, (3) a repeatable description of the exertion protocol was provided, (4) a sample of at least 10 participants with a mean age between 8 and 65 years, and (5) the article was in English. The search process yielded 2685 articles, of which 14 studies met the eligibility requirements.

DATA EXTRACTION

A quality assessment using a checklist was conducted for each study by 2 independent study team members and verified by a third team member. Data were extracted by one team member and verified by a second team member.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A qualitative synthesis of the studies revealed that most protocols used a treadmill or cycle ergometer as the exercise modality. Protocol methods varied across studies including differences in initial intensity determination, progression parameters, and exertion duration. Common outcome measures were self-reported symptoms, heart rate, and blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The strongest evidence indicates that exertional assessments can provide important insight about mTBI recovery and should be administered using symptoms as a guide. Additional studies are needed to verify optimal modes and protocols for post-mTBI exertional assessments.

Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article summarizes the impact and complications of mild traumatic brain injury and concussion in children and outlines the recent evidence for its assessment and early management. Useful evidence-based management strategies are provided for children who have a typical recovery following concussion as well as for those who have persistent postconcussion syndrome. Cases are used to demonstrate the commonly encountered pathologies of headache, cognitive issues, and mood disturbances following injury.

RECENT FINDINGS

A clinical risk score using risk factors for poor recovery (eg, female sex, adolescence, previous migraine, and a high degree of acute symptoms) can be used to help the clinician plan follow-up in the community. Prolonged periods of physical and cognitive rest should be avoided. Multidisciplinary treatment plans are often required in the management of persistent postconcussion syndrome.

SUMMARY

A paucity of research exists for the treatment of postconcussion syndrome. Current treatments target individual symptoms.

Safety and Prognostic Utility of Provocative Exercise Testing in Acutely Concussed Adolescents: A Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate (1) systematic assessment of exercise tolerance in adolescents shortly after sport-related concussion (SRC) and (2) the prognostic utility of such assessment.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

University and community sports medicine centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Adolescents with SRC (1-9 days from injury). Sixty-five were randomized and 54 completed the study (mean age 15 years, 4 days after injury).

INTERVENTIONS

Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT, n = 27) or not (controls, n = 27) on visit day #1. Heart rate threshold (HRt) at symptom exacerbation represented level of exercise tolerance. Participants reported symptoms daily for 14 days and then had follow-up BCTT (n = 54). Recovery was defined as returning to normal level of symptoms and exercise tolerance, verified by independent physician examination.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Days to recovery and typical (≤21 days) versus prolonged recovery (>21 days). Mixed effects linear models and linear regression techniques examined symptom reports and time to recovery. Linear regression assessed the association of HRt with recovery time.

RESULTS

Days to recovery (P = 0.7060) and typical versus prolonged recovery (P = 0.1195) were not significantly different between groups. Symptom severity scores decreased in both groups over 14 days (P < 0.0001), were similar (P = 0.2984), and did not significantly increase the day after the BCTT (P = 0.1960). Lower HRt on visit day #1 was strongly associated with prolonged recovery time (P = 0.0032).

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic evaluation of exercise tolerance using the BCTT within 1 week after SRC did not affect recovery. The degree of early exercise intolerance after SRC was important for prognosis. This has implications for school academic and team preparation.

Non-pharmacological rehabilitation interventions for concussion in children: a scoping review

PURPOSE

To summarise the extent, nature, and quality of current scholarly literature related to non-pharmacological, rehabilitation interventions following concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury in children.

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted from 1987 to 24 October 2017. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) full text, peer reviewed, and written in English, (2) original research, (3) diagnosed concussion or mild traumatic brain injury, (4) described the evaluation of an intervention, (5) the outcome was a concussion impairment, and (6) the mean/median age was under 19. Quality assessment using the Down's and Black criteria was conducted.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies published between 2001 and 2017 were identified. Interventions included rest, active rehabilitation, exercise, vestibular, oculomotor, cervicospinal therapy, education, early intervention, telephone counselling, mobile health application, Web-based Self-Management program, multimodal physical therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, transcranial direct current stimulation, and acupuncture. The quality assessments ranged from poor to good.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature describing interventions following concussion in children is scarce. While both positive and negative results were obtained, there were methodological concerns in most studies limiting the ability to draw conclusions. Interventions incorporating aerobic exercise show promise as a concussion management strategy. Implications for rehabilitation Few studies have examined rehabilitation interventions for youth following concussion. Research ranging from rest to exercise highlights the uncertainty of the field. Low quality research limits the generalizability of results. The use of physical activity appears to be an emerging area of interest. Individualised, aerobic exercise should be used as part of clinical management.

A Physiological Approach to Prolonged Recovery From Sport-Related Concussion

Management of the athlete with postconcussion syndrome (PCS) is challenging because of the nonspecificity of PCS symptoms. Ongoing symptoms reflect prolonged concussion pathophysiology or conditions such as migraine headaches, depression or anxiety, chronic pain, cervical injury, visual dysfunction, vestibular dysfunction, or some combination of these. In this paper, we focus on the physiological signs of concussion to help narrow the differential diagnosis of PCS in athletes. The physiological effects of exercise on concussion are especially important for athletes. Some athletes with PCS have exercise intolerance that may result from altered control of cerebral blood flow. Systematic evaluation of exercise tolerance combined with a physical examination of the neurologic, visual, cervical, and vestibular systems can in many cases identify one or more treatable postconcussion disorders.

Rest and treatment/rehabilitation following sport-related concussion: a systematic review

AIM OR OBJECTIVE

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence regarding rest and active treatment/rehabilitation following sport-related concussion (SRC).

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL (EbscoHost), PsycInfo (OVID), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (OVID), SPORTDiscus (EbscoHost), EMBASE (OVID) and Proquest DissertationsandTheses Global (Proquest) were searched systematically.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) original research; (2) reported SRC as the diagnosis; and (3) evaluated the effect of rest or active treatment/rehabilitation. Review articles were excluded.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria (9 regarding the effects of rest and 19 evaluating active treatment). The methodological quality of the literature was limited; only five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria. Those RCTs included rest, cervical and vestibular rehabilitation, subsymptom threshold aerobic exercise and multifaceted collaborative care.

SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONS

A brief period (24-48 hours) of cognitive and physical rest is appropriate for most patients. Following this, patients should be encouraged to gradually increase activity. The exact amount and duration of rest are not yet well defined and require further investigation. The data support interventions including cervical and vestibular rehabilitation and multifaceted collaborative care. Closely monitored subsymptom threshold, submaximal exercise may be of benefit.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO 2016:CRD42016039570.

Efficiency of an Active Rehabilitation Intervention in a Slow-to-Recover Paediatric Population following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify whether the addition of an individualised Active Rehabilitation Intervention to standard care influences recovery of young patients who are slow-to-recover following a mTBI. Methods. Fifteen participants aged 15 ± 2 years received standard care and an individualised Active Rehabilitation Intervention which included (1) low- to high-intensity aerobic training; (2) sport-specific coordination exercises; and (3) therapeutic balance exercises. The following criteria were used to measure the resolution of signs and symptoms of mTBI: (1) absence of postconcussion symptoms for more than 7 consecutive days; (2) cognitive function corresponding to normative data; and (3) absence of deficits in coordination and balance. Results. The Active Rehabilitation Intervention lasted 49 ± 17 days. The duration of the intervention was correlated with self-reported participation ([Formula: see text]%, r = -0.792, p < 0.001). The average postconcussion symptom inventory (PCSI) score went from a total of 36.85 ± 23.21 points to 4.31 ± 5.04 points after the intervention (Z = -3.18, p = 0.001). Conclusion. A progressive submaximal Active Rehabilitation Intervention may represent an important asset in the recovery of young patients who are slow-to-recover following a mTBI.