Examining how Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy helps manage concussion

The Role of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy in the Classification and Management of Concussion

Observational State University of New York at Buffalo · NCT05859815

This study is testing if a specific physical therapy method can help people with concussions feel better by seeing if they have a preference for certain movements during treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorState University of New York at Buffalo Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Orland Park, Illinois and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05859815 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the role of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) in patients diagnosed with concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. It focuses on identifying participants who exhibit a directional preference during physical therapy, which may lead to symptom improvement. The study will assess the proportion of individuals with concussion showing this preference over multiple visits and explore its correlation with patient outcomes following treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 13 to 65 experiencing neck pain, headache, or dizziness associated with a concussion or mild TBI.

Not a fit: Patients with symptoms resulting from work-related accidents or motor vehicle accidents may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the management of concussion by identifying effective therapeutic approaches based on directional preference.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of MDT in concussion management is novel, similar approaches in physical therapy have shown promise in other conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age = 13 - 65
* Complaints of neck pain, headache, or dizziness associated with a diagnosis of concussion or mild TBI
* Ability to read/write English
* Referral from physician

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age less than 13 or greater than 65
* Cause of symptoms is result of a work-related accident or motor vehicle accident
* Receiving concurrent treatment from a chiropractor or massage therapist
* Glasgow Coma Scale less than 12
* Lesion on head CT/MRI
* Focal neurological deficits associated with serious spinal pathology (fracture, infection, tumor, vertebrobasilar insufficiency)
* Inability to or unwilling to exercise as part of usual PT care
* Unable to read/write English
* History of osteopenia/osteoporosis or cancer

Where this trial is running

Orland Park, Illinois and 1 other locations

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 ConcussionMild Traumatic Brain InjuryMechanical Diagnosis and TherapyDirectional PreferenceRepeated Movements
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.