A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training reports that the activity level of athletes after concussions affected brain functions and speed of recovery. Athletes engaging in high levels of activity following concussions demonstrated impaired brain function while those who engaged in moderate levels of activity demonstrated the best performance.

"Given the health issues associated with concussion, which may last longer than once thought, the decision on when and how to return an athlete not only to the playing field, but also to normal day-to-day activity, has begun receiving attention as a national health issue,” says Jason P. Mihalik, MS, CAT(C), ATC, University of North Carolina, certified athletic trainer and author of the study.

The study found an important relationship between postconcussion activity and performance on visual memory and reaction-time tests. Athletes who engaged in the highest level of activity after the initial injury demonstrated the worst neurocognitive scores and slowest reaction times, while those who engaged in intermediate levels of activity had the best scores and fastest reaction times.

“We surmise that most athletes in the highest-intensity activity group probably experienced a less severe initial injury,” Mihalik says, “but by continuing with high levels of activity, they began to exhibit similar symptoms to those who initially experienced a more severe concussion.”

The study also found:

• Symptom status and neurocognitive performance were affected by postinjury activity levels and the age and gender of the athlete. 

• After concussion, younger adolescents experienced more pronounced deficits in verbal and visual memory than older teenagers.

• Moderate levels of exertion were associated with a better prognosis, suggesting controlled exertion may improve the subject’s outcome after concussion. However, more study is needed in this area.

The researchers also report differences in recovery based on age and gender, which suggest that different postinjury strategies may be needed for males and younger athletes.

“Athletic trainers and coaches are ultimately responsible for keeping high school athletes safe and healthy during practices and competitions,” says Chuck Kimmel, ATC, NATA president. “This report’s deep insight into sport-related concussions is an important step in developing the focused protocols required to effectively keep injury rates as low as possible among high school student-athletes.”