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Early, supervised high-to-moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may reduce concussion-related symptoms and support faster recovery.
A systematic review by Anas R. Alashram et al. sheds light on the growing evidence that aerobic exercise may play a key role in speeding up recovery following a concussion—a type of traumatic brain injury that temporarily impairs brain function and disrupts daily life.
Researchers analyzed data from 6 major medical databases—EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and MEDLINE. Overall, 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified, involving a total of 346 volunteers, 45% of whom were women. The studies focused on the effects of independent aerobic exercise on concussion-related symptoms such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, and cognitive issues.
The review found that high-to-moderate-intensity aerobic exercise—when started during the early, acute phase of concussion and under proper medical supervision—may markedly diminish symptoms. Notably, 7 of the 9 studies were rated as "high quality," while 2 were classified as "moderate" quality using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for methodological assessment. Importantly, the findings suggest that a structured program involving supervised 20-minute aerobic exercise sessions, performed 3-5 times per week, could safely and effectively help alleviate concussion symptoms.
However, the exercise should only commence once the person is deemed medically stable. While more high-quality studies are required to fine-tune treatment guidelines, the current evidence supports the inclusion of aerobic exercise as part of concussion rehabilitation strategies. Future research must focus on refining timing, intensity, and safety parameters to maximize recovery outcomes.
Brain Injury
Effects of aerobic exercise on concussion-related symptoms: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Anas R. Alashram et al.
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