A study found that engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during post-concussion recovery can reduce anxiety levels in teens and have other beneficial effects.

The Journal of Neurotrauma recently published a study comparing conventional rehabilitation to high-intensity training (HIT) in patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Compared to rehabilitation, high-intensity training participants showed better outcomes in the physical tests used to measure locomotive outcomes (6-min walk test and peak treadmill speed). There were also more improvements in aerobic capacity and cognitive functioning after HIT. 

An article highlighted the effectiveness and significant benefits of physical activity when utilized as an intervention for a range of mental health issues, specifically in managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adults.

A study has found that for youth ages 10 to 18, “Resuming non-contact physical activity 72 hours after a concussion is safe, and may also reduce symptoms and the risk of delayed recovery,” according to a CHEO Research Institute press release.

According to a preliminary research study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, an 8-week neuromuscular training (NMT) intervention on sports-related injuries of young athletes may lead to a 3.5 times lower risk of injury when they return to play post-concussion.

A study of concussion patients to determine the impact of “initiating physical activity as soon as 24 to 48 hours after concussion to reduce persistent postconcussive symptoms.” They found that adolescent concussion patients who initiated physical activity before their first clinic visit (clinic visits were an average of 9.8 days after concussion) were better off.