Welcome back to our series on the 5 Pillars of Health for Concussion Recovery. In our previous post, we discussed the importance of Nutrition & Hydration. Today, we’re focusing on the second pillar: Movement.
The Role of Movement in Concussion Recovery
For years, the standard advice for concussion recovery was complete rest. However, recent research has shifted this paradigm. Carefully introduced physical activity can actually play a crucial role in recovery. Here’s why movement matters:
1. Increased Cerebral Blood Flow: Movement promotes better blood circulation to the brain, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen.
2. Neuroplasticity Boost: Physical activity can stimulate neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new connections and potentially speeding up recovery.
3. Symptom Management: Gentle exercise can help alleviate some concussion symptoms, such as headaches and dizziness.
4. Mood Enhancement: Movement releases endorphins, which can help combat the depression and anxiety often associated with concussion recovery.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that early, controlled aerobic exercise could safely speed up recovery from sport-related concussions[1].
Safe Movement Strategies Post-Concussion
While movement is beneficial, it’s crucial to approach it carefully. Here are some guidelines:
1. Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with light activities and gradually increase intensity as tolerated.
2. Listen to Your Body: If symptoms worsen, take a step back and rest.
3. Variety is Key: Incorporate different types of movement to engage various brain systems.
4. Consistency Over Intensity: Regular, gentle exercise is more beneficial than occasional intense workouts.
Types of Beneficial Movement for Concussion Recovery
1. Walking: Start with short, slow walks and gradually increase duration and pace.
2. Gentle Yoga: Improves balance, flexibility, and mindfulness. Research in Frontiers in Neurology suggests activities promoting neuroplasticity can be particularly beneficial[2].
3. Swimming: The buoyancy of water provides a low-impact environment for movement.
4. Balance Exercises: These can help with vestibular symptoms and overall stability.
Best Practices for Incorporating Movement in Concussion Recovery
When reintroducing movement after a concussion, consider these key principles:
1. Personalization: Every concussion is unique, so movement plans should be tailored to individual symptoms and recovery stages.
2. Integrated Approach: Combining gentle cardio with cognitive tasks can stimulate multiple areas of the brain, potentially enhancing recovery.
3. Progressive Adaptation: Gradually increase the intensity and complexity of movements as recovery progresses.
4. Consistent Monitoring: Regularly assess how different movements affect symptoms and adjust accordingly.
5. Long-term Perspective: Develop a plan for continuing appropriate movement long after initial recovery.
At NCX Brain Recovery, we incorporate these principles into our Multi-Sensory Integration (MSI) Therapy, ensuring a comprehensive approach to concussion recovery.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
While incorporating movement into your recovery can be beneficial, it’s crucial to do so under professional guidance. A pilot study in Brain Injury demonstrated the potential benefits of supervised exercise programs for post-concussion syndrome[3], underlining the importance of expert oversight in your recovery journey.
Concussions in Sports: A Special Consideration
While concussions can occur in various situations, sports-related concussions are particularly common. According to recent studies, contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby have the highest concussion rates. However, even non-contact sports carry some risk.
Understanding which sports have higher concussion risks can help athletes, coaches, and parents take appropriate precautions. Regardless of the sport, proper technique, protective gear, and adherence to safety rules are crucial in preventing concussions.
If you’re an athlete recovering from a concussion, it’s essential to follow a carefully structured return-to-play protocol under professional guidance. This typically involves a gradual increase in physical activity, closely monitored for any recurrence of symptoms.
Moving Forward
Remember, recovery is a journey, and movement is just one piece of the puzzle. In our next post, we’ll explore the third pillar: Sunlight.
If you’re unsure if the symptoms you are dealing with are due to a concussion, take our quick 2-minute concussion quiz for an initial assessment.
If you’re struggling with ongoing concussion symptoms and want to learn more about how movement can be safely incorporated into your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out. Schedule a free consultation with one of our Neuro Occupational Therapists to discuss your unique situation and recovery needs.
References
1. Leddy, J. J., et al. (2019). Early subthreshold aerobic exercise for sport-related concussion: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatrics, 173(4), 319-325. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2723523
2. Lal, A., et al. (2018). Neurocognitive and Neuroplasticity Mechanisms of Novel Clinical Signs in CRPS. Frontiers in Neurology, 9, 1017. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2018.01017/full
3. Silverberg, N. D., et al. (2020). Exercise treatment for postconcussion syndrome: a pilot randomized controlled trial of aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises. Brain Injury, 34(7), 963-975. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02699052.2020.1767810