This study is looking at the specific role of an exercise prescription on recovery from concussion symptoms in the general population.
435 people will participate in this study. A physician will review a participant's medical history to determine if physical activity is appropriate for them. They will then be randomly assigned to 1 of 3 study groups: 1. Monitoring- participants will be given a heart rate monitor to wear on their wrist for the duration of the study (until "recovered", or until 8 weeks post-concussion, whatever comes first). 2. Monitoring + Treadmill Testing- in addition to wearing the heart rate monitor, they will undergo a treadmill test at each appointment. 3. Monitoring + Treadmill Testing + Specific Exercise Prescription- in addition to wearing the heart rate monitor, and treadmill test, they will receive an exercise prescription based on the results of the treadmill test. The randomization is by chance. Participants have a 40/20/40% respective chance of being assigned to the study groups above. This means that out of every 5 people: 2 people will be assigned to the group 1, 1 will be assigned to the group 2, and 2 will be assigned to the group 3. Both participants and the study doctor will be aware which group participants are in. Regardless of the group assigned, participants will receive an exercise prescription form at each appointment, as per usual care. The prescription will be based on the physician's judgement. If a participant is in group 3, their prescription will also take into account the results of the treadmill test. Recovery will be determined using a 3-step approach: 1. Self-reported symptoms, 2. Clinic physician's opinion, 3. Treadmill test results (if applicable).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
A specific exercise prescription, based on the results of a treadmill test.
A symptom-limited treadmill test, using the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) protocol.
Activity monitoring using a Fitbit.
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Percentage of Participants Recovered
"Recovery" (yes/no) will be determined using a 3-step approach: 1. Self-reported symptoms (using the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool \[SCAT\], Symptom Inventory), 2. Clinic physician's opinion, 3. Treadmill test results (if applicable).
Time frame: Assessed at week 8 post-concussion.
Percentage of Participants Recovered
Time frame: Assessed at week 2 post-concussion.
Percentage of Participants Recovered
Time frame: Assessed at week 4 post-concussion.
Percentage of Participants who have Returned to Work/School
Time at which participants return to part-time and/or full-time work or school activities.
Time frame: Assessed at week 2 post-concussion.
Percentage of Participants who have Returned to Work/School
Time frame: Assessed at week 4 post-concussion.
Percentage of Participants who have Returned to Work/School
Time frame: Assessed at week 8 post-concussion.
Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) Global Severity Index Score
Measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)-18. Global scores, as well as somatization, depression, and anxiety sub-scales will be included. Global scores are calculated by adding up participants self-reported score (0-72), with high scores indicating more psychological distress. These scores are then compared to gender-stratified norms. Sub-scales are scored on a 0-24 scale, again higher scores indicating more psychological distress (sub-scales also compared to gender-stratified norms).
Time frame: Assessed at week 2 post-concussion.
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Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) Global Severity Index Score
Time frame: Assessed at week 4 post-concussion.
Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) Global Severity Index Score
Time frame: Assessed at week 8 post-concussion.