New Research Shifts Focus on Early Activity for Faster Healing
In a significant shift in concussion recovery strategies, experts now emphasize that children and teens who suffer concussions may benefit from returning to school and engaging in light exercise sooner than previously thought. This new approach, based on the latest research, challenges old practices of complete rest and could pave the way for faster recovery times.
The case of 12-year-old Karter Duey highlights the potential advantages of this more active recovery plan. After sustaining a concussion from a fall during cheerleading practice in April, Karter was able to return to school after just a week and a half of rest. Her recovery included both mental and physical support, showing how a balanced approach can make a difference in getting kids back to their normal routines.
Returning to School: A Key Part of Concussion Recovery
It’s not just about waiting for symptoms to disappear. Research is increasingly showing that kids recover faster when they gradually ease back into their daily routines, including school. For Karter, this meant returning to classes part-time, with accommodations like extra time to move between classes and the option to do assignments on paper instead of digital screens.
Julie Wilson, co-director of the Concussion Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado, explains why this method works. “Getting children and teens back to their usual daily activities as soon as they can tolerate them is important,” Wilson said. She stresses that this should happen as soon as possible, as long as the child’s symptoms are manageable.
These new guidelines are based on mounting evidence from recent studies that suggest a quicker return to school doesn’t hinder recovery—in fact, it may speed it up. Resting too long, especially without any cognitive or physical activity, can actually delay healing in some cases, as the brain needs to engage to promote recovery.
Light Exercise: An Unexpected Key to Healing
Not all rest is beneficial, particularly when it comes to concussion recovery. Christina Master, a pediatrician and sports medicine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, argues that light physical activity, such as a brisk walk or cycling on a stationary bike, can be incredibly helpful in the days following a concussion. A recent study found that children who engaged in light exercise within two days of their injury experienced faster recovery times and fewer long-term symptoms.
“Even though the brain is not a muscle, it acts like one and has a use-it-or-lose-it phenomenon,” Master explained. The idea is that, like muscles that lose strength when not used, the brain needs stimulation and light physical activity to heal more effectively.
This advice is a significant departure from the old school thought of complete rest. Rather than keeping children inactive, a mix of physical activity and mental engagement, like going back to school, may improve recovery outcomes.
- Key benefits of light exercise after a concussion:
- Reduced recovery time
- Lower risk of prolonged symptoms
- Enhanced mental and physical recovery
Studies show that teens who begin light exercise within 48 hours of their concussion, and return to school soon after, have a better chance of full recovery without the risk of symptoms lingering for months.
New Guidelines in Colorado: A Progressive Shift
Colorado has been at the forefront of updating concussion recovery protocols. In August, the state’s Department of Education updated its concussion guidelines to reflect these new, evidence-based practices. The revised guidelines emphasize a gradual return to both school and light physical activity. They also aim to reduce the myth that losing consciousness is necessary for a concussion diagnosis.
The new approach focuses on helping kids cope with the challenges of returning to normal life. The “REAP” protocol—Remove/Reduce; Educate; Adjust/Accommodate; and Pace—outlines a structured, community-based plan for managing concussions during the critical first few weeks of recovery. The protocol encourages families, schools, and healthcare providers to work together to ensure students receive the right support.
“We’ve had to move away from the mindset of ‘keep them at home until they’re fully healed,’” said Toni Grishman, a senior brain injury consultant at the Colorado Department of Education. “This new approach means that students can return to school sooner, but with the right support.”
Addressing Ongoing Symptoms: A Holistic Approach
While most children recover within a month, some face lingering symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and concentration issues. For these children, ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team can make a huge difference. This team might include physical therapists, psychologists, and specialized teachers who help manage symptoms and make the transition back to school smoother.
David Howell, director of the Colorado Concussion Research Laboratory, is studying how children and their families cope with the ongoing impacts of concussions. He finds that the emotional and social elements of recovery can’t be ignored. Peer pressure, anxiety, or other emotional stressors can amplify the difficulties children face during their recovery. As Howell points out, “What you bring to an injury is often exacerbated by the injury.”
The psychological and social components of concussion recovery are just as important as the physical symptoms. Providing support to students both at school and at home can help alleviate anxiety and help them feel more confident as they return to normal activities.
The Real Struggles of Concussion Recovery
For Karter Duey, the hardest part of her recovery was missing out on her cheerleading activities. She had to sit out for nine weeks, which included missing a major competition. Although she was able to watch and support her teammates from the sidelines, not being able to participate was a tough emotional challenge for her. Her mother, Jana, mentioned that seeing her daughter go through the process was painful, but the focus on recovery allowed Karter to eventually return to her normal routine.
While the physical symptoms might fade, the emotional and social impacts of a concussion shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s crucial for children to feel supported, not just physically but also emotionally, as they transition back to school and their extracurricular activities.
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