Aerobic Exercise Speeds Concussion Recovery in Young People, Study Finds

A new study reveals that engaging in aerobic exercise soon after a concussion can significantly speed recovery in young people. Researchers found that patients who participated in guided aerobic activity recovered faster than those who only stretched or rested. The study, which involved adolescents and young adults, showed that those in the aerobic exercise group were 48% less likely to experience persistent concussion symptoms after four weeks. The findings challenge the long-held belief that strict rest is best after a concussion. Instead, the brain heals by doing, and controlled physical activity may promote blood flow and neuroplasticity. The study was led by Dr. John Leddy at the University at Buffalo and published in JAMA Pediatrics. It included 118 participants aged 13 to 18 who had experienced a concussion within the past 10 days. Each participant was randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise program or a stretching program. Those in the aerobic group began with 20 minutes of exercise per day on a treadmill or stationary bike, at a heart rate that did not exacerbate symptoms. The stretching group performed gentle stretching exercises. After four weeks, only 13% of the aerobic group still had symptoms, compared with 25% of the stretching group. The results suggest that early, controlled aerobic exercise is safe and effective for concussion recovery in adolescents. This could change clinical guidelines and encourage more active rehabilitation approaches. As concussion awareness grows, this study offers a promising path to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes for young athletes and students.