Physical activity and recovery following concussion in collegiate athletes: a LIMBIC MATARS Consortium Investigation.

To investigate whether routine daily activities (RDA), non-prescribed exercise (Non-ERx), or prescribed exercise (ERx) were associated with recovery from sport-related concussion (SRC) in collegiate athletes. Data for this cross-sectional, retrospective chart review of collegiate athletes diagnosed with SRC ( Those in the Non-ERx group took nearly 1.3 times longer to achieve SR (IRR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.46) and, 1.8 times longer for RTS (IRR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.71) when compared to those in the RDA group. No other comparisons were significant. Collegiate athletes in the Non-ERx group took approximately 1 week longer to achieve SR as compared to the RDA and ERx groups. Our findings suggest that if exercise is recommended following SRC, it must be clearly and specifically prescribed. If exercise parameters cannot be prescribed, or monitored, RDA appear to be similarly beneficial during recovery for collegiate athletes with concussion.