Evaluation of an active rehabilitation program for concussion management in children and adolescents. (6th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dobney, Danielle M.; Grilli, Lisa; Kocilowicz, Helen; Beaulieu, Christine; Straub, Meghan; Friedman, Debbie; Gagnon, Isabelle
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 31:Number 13/14(2017)
• Page Start: 1753
• Page End: 1759
• Publication Date: 2017-12-06
• Subjects: Brain concussion -- mild traumatic brain injury -- exercise therapy; Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2017.1346294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective : To estimate the extent to which post-concussion symptoms were influenced by participation in an Active Rehabilitation (AR) program (aerobic exercise, coordination drills, visualization and education) for children and adolescents who are slow to recover from concussion. A secondary exploratory objective included examining the influence of sex on symptom evolution. Methods : Analysis of prospectively collected data was performed on 277 youth who initiated an AR program, between three and four weeks post-injury at a Concussion Clinic in a tertiary care paediatric teaching hospital. Main outcome measure : Post-concussion symptom scale (PCSS) from Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-3 (SCAT 3). Results : Children and adolescents participating in an active rehabilitation program displayed improved post-concussion symptom severity at follow-up (median = 9.5) compared to pre-intervention (median = 18) ( p < .05). Patients demonstrated improved physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related post-concussion symptoms ( p < .05). Female sex was associated with an increased post-concussion symptom severity at follow-up. Conclusions : Youth experiencing persisting symptoms three to four weeks post-concussion demonstrated improved post-concussion symptoms scores (physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep related) with participation in an active rehabilitation program.