The standard recommendation after a concussion is for children and teens to rest, especially in the days immediately after injury. However, a new study examined whether children who were physically active within seven days of injury have a lower risk of developing post-concussive symptoms compared to children who were not active.

 

Researchers from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario studied more than 3,000 children and teens to see if participating in physical activity within 7 days of a concussion would be associated with fewer post-concussive symptoms. They used a standard questionnaire to monitor the participants from the emergency department up until 28 days after the injury.

 

Researchers found that the children who participated in light physical activity after their concussion had a reduced risk of post-concussive symptoms.  Future studies are needed to better understand the role of early activity and determine the optimal duration and types of activity.