Effects of Exercise on Pain and Recovery After Concussion in College Athletes
Official title: The Influence of Prescribed Exercise on Pain Related Fear Following Concussion in Collegiate Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Virginia · NCT06246669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if different levels of aerobic exercise can help college athletes recover from concussions faster and feel better emotionally.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Virginia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 27, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 2025 |
| Study ends | March 2025 |
| Registry record updated | December 9, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06246669 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are collegiate athletes who are symptomatic following a concussion diagnosis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with structural brain abnormalities or other injuries preventing them from exercising will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates how prescribed aerobic exercise at different intensities affects psychological measures and recovery time in collegiate athletes diagnosed with a concussion. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a light or moderate intensity treadmill walking group, starting their exercise protocol 48 hours post-diagnosis. The study aims to determine if the intensity of exercise influences pain-related fear, anxiety, depression, and overall symptom recovery. The exercise sessions will occur five times a week until participants report being symptom-free.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new approach to managing concussion recovery through tailored exercise regimens.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that exercise can positively influence recovery from concussions, making this approach promising yet still requiring further investigation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Collegiate athlete (varsity) * Symptomatic at time of exercise prescription Exclusion Criteria: * If advanced neuroimaging was performed, any subject with a structural abnormality will be excluded * History of traumatic brain injury requiring hospitalization * Not cleared to play their sport by a physician due to some other injury such as an ankle sprain or muscle strain * If individual is diagnosed with any condition that is a contraindication to aerobic exercise. Please note that all participants will have already been cleared to participate in their respective collegiate sport after extensive pre-participation physical examinations upon entering the university.
Where it's running
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University of Virginia Department of Kinesiology
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jake Resch, PhD
- Email: jer6x@virginia.edu
- Phone: 434-243-6535
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.