Early Therapy Improves Balance and Reaction Time After Concussions

Early Therapy Improves Balance and Reaction Time After Concussions
Early Therapy Improves Balance and Reaction Time After Concussions

United States: Recent studies have pointed out that starting physical therapy sooner may enhance the process of concussion recovery.

Study Overview

Recently published in the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, the new study analyzed the effects of PT on 203 adults with mild TBI or concussions within two to 12 weeks post-injury, as reported by HealthDay.

In this study, physical therapy was begun within 60 days of injury and patients who did so had less symptoms, better balance, and faster response time as opposed to those who began therapy later.

Participants were split into two groups: 82 started physical therapy 7 days after enrolling in the study (approximately 56 days after injury), whereas 121 waited 6 more weeks (approximately 99 days after injury).

Both groups participated in eight therapy sessions for six weeks: balance, cervical spine exercises, cardiovascular training, and home program.

The Critical Window for Treatment

“There seems to be a window of opportunity within two months,” Laurie King, senior study author and professor of neurology at Oregon Health & Science University, said in a news release.

Visual Representation. Credit | Getty images

“After that point, the brain compensates in a way that’s not good.”

Importance of Early Therapy for Persistent Symptoms

But for the 30% of people who continue to suffer from some degree of post-viral syndrome – which may include dizziness, balance problems, and cognitive impairment – King underscored how early treatment is crucial. ”It is, however, identifying this group that poses the challenge,” she said.

Visual Representation.

While comparing PT patients who attended the clinic early in the day with those who received PT after a few hours, the researchers observed that the latter seemed to rely on vision to ensure balance. Since the vestibular system of the inner ear had not completely healed, the researchers wondered what could have gone wrong.

Visual and Vestibular Balance Insights

Early therapy participants also reacted faster in the recovery of vestibular balance as compared to the other ones, as reported by HealthDay.

“We have people who come in and say they’re fine,” King concluded. “Then when we challenge them to turn their head while looking at a fixed point, they’re like, ‘Whoa, that makes me feel sick.’”