Aerobic Exercise for Sport-related Concussion

Background: Sport-related concussion is a common mild traumatic brain injury that can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive difficulty, sleep disturbance, and exercise intolerance. Traditional management often emphasized prolonged rest; however, emerging evidence suggests that carefully prescribed aerobic exercise may support recovery by improving autonomic regulation, cerebral blood flow, mood, and physical conditioning. Understanding the role of aerobic exercise in concussion rehabilitation is important for optimizing return-to-learn and return-to-sport protocols. Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review of clinical trials, cohort studies, and rehabilitation studies examining the effects of aerobic exercise after sport-related concussion. Relevant literature published between ۲۰۰۵ and ۲۰۲۵ was identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Eligible studies included athletes or physically active individuals diagnosed with sport-related concussion who participated in structured aerobic exercise interventions, such as treadmill walking, cycling, or progressive sub‑symptom threshold exercise programs. Primary outcomes included symptom severity, time to recovery, exercise tolerance, autonomic function, and return-to-sport readiness. Results: Evidence from the reviewed studies suggests that early, individualized, sub‑symptom threshold aerobic exercise can be safe and beneficial following sport-related concussion. Compared with prolonged rest or usual care, aerobic exercise interventions are often associated with reduced symptom burden, improved exercise tolerance, and shorter recovery duration. Progressive aerobic training may also help restore physiological function by improving heart rate regulation, reducing exercise intolerance, and supporting psychological well‑being. However, exercise prescription should be carefully monitored, as excessive intensity or premature return to full sport participation may worsen symptoms. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise appears to be an effective and safe component of sport-related concussion rehabilitation when prescribed below the symptom exacerbation threshold. Incorporating progressive aerobic exercise into clinical management may accelerate recovery and improve return-to-sport decision‑making. Future research should clarify optimal timing, intensity, duration, and progression strategies for different athlete populations.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sport-related Concussion ، Aerobic Exercise ، Rehabilitation ، Sub‑symptom Threshold ، Return to Sport