Aerobic Training for Management of Post-Concussion Syndrome in Adolescents
Concussion, Post-concussion Syndrome, Sports Injury
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Concussion focused on measuring concussion, mild traumatic brain injury, post-concussion syndrome, adolescents, sports injury, aerobic training, stretching training
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adolescents ages 12 to 17 years
- Experienced a concussion 4 to 16 weeks prior to enrollment
- Experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms
Exclusion Criteria:
- Sustained a moderate to severe head injury, head injury more severe than concussion or required an overnight hospital stay
- Younger than 12 years of age when beginning the study.
- Older than 17 years of age when beginning the study.
- Do not live with a parent/guardian.
- Injured more than 16 weeks ago.
- Do not speak or read English.
- Diagnosed with a developmental disability.
- Neurological impairment, cognitive disorders, genetic disorders, metabolic disorders, blood disorder, cardiovascular problem/disease, and/or cancer.
- Inpatient admission for a psychiatric disorder within the past 12 months.
- Taking beta-blockers, anti-depressants, and/or anti-epileptic medications that cannot be discontinued while participating in the study.
- Cardiovascular condition that would preclude participation in the training protocol.
- Any condition that precludes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Females that are pregnant or become pregnant during the study.
Sites / Locations
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Experimental
Aerobic Training Intervention
Stretching Intervention
Children with PCS who are eligible for the study will be randomized to a progressive, sub-symptom exacerbation, cycling aerobic training intervention or stretching comparison intervention. Children with PCS that meet criteria for the intervention trial will complete a baseline evaluation followed by a one week run-in-period (week 0-1) prior to their first intervention visit. After the initial intervention visit, weekly visits will be completed for at least 6 additional weeks (i.e., at least 6 weeks of aerobic training). An individualized home exercise program 5-6 days per week will also be developed. Children will be provided with a home stationary cycle to complete the home program.
Children in the stretching intervention will complete a series of full body stretches of the shoulders, arms, chest, back, legs, and feet 5-6 days per week and will return weekly to review the stretching program. The minimum duration of the stretching intervention will also be 6 weeks