The Role of Aerobic Exercise in Reducing Persistent Sport-related Concussion Symptoms

Abstract

Aerobic exercise has received increasing attention in the scientific literature as a component of management for individuals who sustain a concussion. Because exercise training has been reported to reduce symptoms and improve function for those experiencing persistent postconcussion symptoms, it represents a potentially useful and clinically pragmatic rehabilitation technique. However, the specific exercise parameters that best facilitate recovery from concussion remain poorly defined and unclear. This review will provide a summary of the current understanding of the role of subsymptom exercise to improve outcomes after a concussion and will describe the exercise parameters that appear to be important. The latter will take into account the three pillars of exercise dose-frequency, duration, and intensity-to examine what is currently known. In addition, we identify important gaps in our knowledge of exercise as a treatment for those who develop persistent symptoms of concussion.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

The results of the present study do not constitute endorsement by ACSM. Our work is presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation.

Figures

Figure 1.

The six parameters of exercise dosage to consider when implementing and reporting on the use of aerobic exercise as a treatment for concussion.