Exercise in Postconcussion Symptoms and Posttraumatic Headache

Launched by ST. OLAVS HOSPITAL · Aug 24, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how different types of guided exercise programs can help people who have had a mild brain injury, specifically those experiencing ongoing symptoms like headaches and difficulty with physical activity. The main question is whether a program that includes in-person follow-up and treadmill testing is more effective than a program where follow-ups happen over the phone. Participants will first take a treadmill test to figure out their symptom limits, then they will exercise for 15-20 minutes, 3-5 times a week at a level that is just below where their symptoms get worse.

To be eligible for this study, you should be between 18 to 65 years old and have had a mild head injury at least two weeks ago, along with at least one noticeable symptom that started soon after the injury. You'll also need to have difficulty with physical activity. If you join the study, you'll either receive ongoing face-to-face support or just phone support while you exercise. The researchers hope to find out which method helps people recover better over the 12 weeks of the program. If you're considering participating, it's important to know that certain health conditions and communication issues might prevent you from joining.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18-65 years
• • Having sustained a minimal head injury or mild traumatic brain injury at least 2 weeks ago.
• • At least one postconcussion symptoms, of at least moderate degree, occurring within the first week after the head injury.
• • Intolerance for physical activity (self-reported and measured; including symptom exacerbation later on the test day).
• • Capable of giving informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • More than 2 years since last injury.
• • The symptoms are better explained by other conditions.
• • Severe communication problems, typically due to poor knowledge of Norwegian.
• • Severe psychiatric, neurological, somatic, or substance abuse disorders that will make it problematic to function in a group and/or will complicate follow-up and outcome assessment.
• • Safety concerns according to the study medical checklist.