Comparing exercise programs for recovery after mild head injury

Exercise Interventions in Patients With Postconcussion Symptoms and Posttraumatic Headache. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional St. Olavs Hospital · NCT06015451

This study is testing two different ways of providing exercise support to see which helps people recover better after a mild head injury.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSt. Olavs Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Trondheim)
Trial IDNCT06015451 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two different exercise delivery models for patients experiencing exercise intolerance following a mild head injury. Participants will undergo a treadmill test to establish their symptom threshold and will then engage in a tailored exercise program. One group will receive in-person follow-up and repeated testing, while the other will have telephone-based follow-up. The study will assess recovery outcomes after 12 weeks of exercise intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 who have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury and experience exercise intolerance.

Not a fit: Patients with severe communication issues or those whose symptoms are better explained by other conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve recovery strategies for patients suffering from post-concussion symptoms and enhance their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar exercise interventions for post-concussion recovery, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-65 years
* Having sustained a minimal head injury or mild traumatic brain injury at least 2 weeks ago.
* At least one postconcussion symptoms, of at least moderate degree, occurring within the first week after the head injury.
* Intolerance for physical activity (self-reported and measured; including symptom exacerbation later on the test day).
* Capable of giving informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* More than 2 years since last injury.
* The symptoms are better explained by other conditions.
* Severe communication problems, typically due to poor knowledge of Norwegian.
* Severe psychiatric, neurological, somatic, or substance abuse disorders that will make it problematic to function in a group and/or will complicate follow-up and outcome assessment.
* Safety concerns according to the study medical checklist.

Where this trial is running

Trondheim

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Brain ConcussionPost-Concussion SyndromePost-Traumatic HeadacheCraniocerebral Traumaexercise intoleranceexerciseThread mill test
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.