Program

Athletic Training Leadership M.A.

Year Approved

2020

First Advisor

Osgood, Chad

Abstract

Purpose: Sports-related concussions are one of the most hotly debated topics in sports medicine today. Research surrounding concussion has experienced significant growth especially in the areas of incidence, assessment, and recovery. Previously athletes were told to rest after suffering a concussion. Athletes were told to limit physical and cognitive activities; they were instructed to avoid anything that may increase or reaggravate their symptoms. Current research is now recommending active recovery programs and stating that just resting detrimental for athletes after suffering a concussion and can prolong recovery time. Guided aerobic exercise is currently the best recommended form of active recovery. The purpose of this study is to investigate if active recovery provides a faster reduction in symptoms for and a faster return to play for college athletes compared to conservative rest after suffering a concussion. Methods: Using a cross-sectional analysis, this study analyzed active concussion treatments and measured those results against similar studies using conservative treatment. Results: Active recovery was associated with earlier clearance for return to sport. Active recovery athletes were cleared for return to sport in fewer days. Conclusion: This study begins to answer the question regarding the future of concussion management and its transition from conservative treatment to active recovery. Future studies are needed to examine the optimal timing and dose of guided aerobic exercise for the active treatment of concussions. as well as, its potential to prevent persistent post-concussive symptoms.

Degree Name

Athletic Training Leadership M.A.

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

Included in

Kinesiology Commons

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