Concussion Rest Time: New Study Reveals Benefits of Early Exercise

A recent study published in the journal Sports Medicine has shed light on the importance of early exercise in concussion recovery among collegiate athletes. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, found that athletes who engaged in light exercise within 48 hours after sustaining a concussion experienced symptom resolution significantly faster than those who delayed exercise for more than a week.

The research, which monitored over 1,200 college athletes nationwide, revealed that early exercise was associated with faster concussion recovery. In fact, athletes who started exercising within two days of their injury saw symptoms resolve in about half the time compared to those who waited longer. The findings are consistent with previous smaller studies and suggest that 'cocoon therapy' - bed rest in the dark with minimal mental stimulation after a concussion - is not effective.

The study's lead author, Landon Lempke, emphasized that exercise should be done under the guidance of a trained clinician to ensure proper recovery. He noted that while some may believe that rest is essential for concussion recovery, this approach can actually prolong symptoms and slow down the healing process.

In contrast, early exercise has been shown to reduce the prevalence of persistent concussion symptoms by 3-4% compared to no exercise group. Furthermore, athletes who started exercising within 48 hours were significantly less likely to experience symptom recovery than those who did not exercise, taking about five days longer to recover.

These findings have significant implications for concussion treatment and management. The study's results suggest that early exercise can be an effective strategy for promoting faster concussion recovery among collegiate athletes. By incorporating light exercise into their rehabilitation programs, athletes can potentially reduce the duration of symptoms and return to competition sooner.

The NCAA-DoD CARE Consortium supported this research, which highlights the importance of continued investigation into the most effective methods for managing concussions in sports. As researchers continue to uncover new insights into concussion recovery, it is clear that early exercise will play a crucial role in promoting faster and more effective healing.

Concussion rest time