Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about the importance of aerobic exercise following an acute concussion. Most common recommendations following a concussion are rest with no physical or mental activity and possibly in a dark room. This recommendation is outdated as we have more research and guidance that rest does not help acute concussions heal. The best advice following acute concussions is to be active. Ideally, this means walking or biking to increase one’s heart rate but not past the limit of increased symptoms or exacerbations of symptoms after the activity. Two research articles are discussed today that show the benefits of aerobic exercise following concussions. One discusses that the earlier time aerobic exercise is initiated, the earlier time to return to sport and school/work. The other discusses the benefits of testing for aerobic exercise threshold prior to initiating submaximal aerobic exercise for treatment. Check out the video for more in depth information on how exercise is medicine following a concussion!
- Lawrence DW, Richards D, Comper P, Hutchison MG. Earlier time to aerobic exercise is associated with faster recovery following acute sport concussion. PLoS One. 2018;13(4):e0196062.
- Leddy JJ, Haider MN, Ellis M, Willer BS. Exercise is Medicine for Concussion. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2018;17(8):262-270.
