A - 19 Prime Time for Treatment: Considerations for Active Rehabilitation following Sport-Related Concussion

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of the current study is to examine the efficacy of physical therapy for concussion treatment. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of 210 participants (62.9% female), aged 12–22 years (M = 15.27, SD = 2.03), who sustained sport-related concussions between 2015–2018 and were referred to active rehabilitation for treatment at a private physical therapy practice in New Jersey. Treatment groups were assigned based on intake within 12 weeks of injury (Early, 84.8%) or after 12 weeks elapsed (Prolonged). Efficacy was measured by reduction in number and severity of symptoms (i.e., PCSS, CISS, DHI scores) from intake (T1) to discharge (T2). Moderating variables included presence and severity of neck pain (57.1% with neck pain, 42.4% without) and presence and quantity of reported concussion modifiers (32.4% none, 34.8% one, 32.9% two+). Results A significant reduction in scores was found from T1 to T2 for the complete sample (PCSS: t(165) = 11.76, p < 0.001; CISS: t(162) = 15.73, p < 0.001; DHI functional disability ratings: t(74) = 6.393, p < 0.001). Crosstabs comparison showed participants reported significant symptom reduction from T1 to T2 (Early: 90%, n = 126; Prolonged: 87.5%, n = 21), with no appreciable difference in the rate of symptom reduction between groups. Treatment duration was not moderated by presence of neck pain, presence of modifiers, or number of modifiers. Conclusions Physical therapy appears to be an effective intervention, regardless of time elapsed, presence or severity of neck pain, or presence or quantity of concussion modifiers.