Finding the right amount of aerobic exercise to help recovery after a concussion
Modulating Exercise Dosage to Improve Concussion Rehabilitation: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This project tests whether different amounts and intensities of aerobic exercise help teenagers and young adults recover faster and have fewer symptoms after a concussion.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320822 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll be randomly assigned to follow one of several post-concussion aerobic exercise plans that vary in how long and how hard you exercise. Study staff will track your symptoms over time, monitor exercise adherence, and collect physiological measures such as blood markers of inflammation and tests of brain blood-flow regulation. The team uses objective monitoring (for example activity tracking) rather than relying only on self-reports to determine the best exercise "dose." The goal is to find exercise prescriptions that speed recovery and reduce symptom severity for teens and young adults after an acute concussion.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Teenagers and young adults (roughly 13–18 years old) who recently had a concussion and are medically cleared to start light aerobic activity are the likely candidates for participation.
Not a fit: People with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury, medical conditions that make exercise unsafe, or chronic long-standing concussion symptoms may not benefit from or be eligible for this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify the optimal exercise amounts to help people recover faster and have fewer concussion symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Pilot and observational studies have suggested light post-concussion exercise can speed recovery, but prior randomized trials have shown mixed or limited clinical benefits, so this trial focuses on pinpointing optimal exercise dose.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howell, David R. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Howell, David R.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.