Effects of Exercise on Pain and Recovery After Concussion in College Athletes
The Influence of Prescribed Exercise on Pain Related Fear Following Concussion in Collegiate Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if different levels of aerobic exercise can help college athletes recover from concussions faster and feel better emotionally.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Virginia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06246669 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are collegiate athletes who are symptomatic following a concussion diagnosis.
Not a fit: Patients with structural brain abnormalities or other injuries preventing them from exercising will not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Previous studies have shown that exercise can positively influence recovery from concussions, making this approach promising yet still requiring further investigation.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Charlottesville, Virginia
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.