Many who have suffered a concussion think that rest is the only option, but recent research has shown that delaying exercise after a concussion can actually slow recovery time. Therefore, researchers recommend patients begin exercising as soon as possible after their injury to help regulate symptoms and expedite recovery.
Best Exercise For Concussion Recovery
Exercising can help alleviate post-concussion symptoms by raising your heart rate, stimulating positive nerve activity, and coordinating movements as you move. It also improves cognitive functions like memory or attention while relieving anxiety and depression.
Cardiovascular exercises, such as walking or low-impact aerobics, are ideal for concussion recovery. However, high-intensity workouts like running should not begin until at least six months post-head injury.
Strength training, particularly when done in a low-impact manner, can be beneficial for those with concussions. Just make sure your doctor and physical therapist approve of this, so you don’t aggravate your condition by doing too much exercise.
Weight Shifts
A great exercise for TBI rehabilitation, weight shifts involve standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and shifting your weight onto one leg slightly off the ground. Hold for about 30 seconds before repeating five times on each side.
Straight Leg Raises
As another traumatic brain injury recovery exercise, this one requires lying flat on your back with one leg bent at the knee and lifting the other one up. A resistance band can make this exercise more challenging, but ensure your knees and ankles remain fully straight as you lift each leg up. Repeat for three sets of 10 repetitions on each leg.
TBI Rehab Games
Virtual reality (VR) games can be an excellent option for people with concussions as they improve hand-eye and full-body coordination, which may be impaired in these patients. Beat Saber, for instance, focuses on strengthening hand-eye and whole-body coordination as you cut cubes using glowing sabers.
Some individuals with concussion syndrome experience exercise intolerance or symptoms that worsen when they attempt to exercise. Common signs include headaches, dizziness, and extreme fatigue; however, symptoms can also include confusion, sleep issues, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
These symptoms can be challenging to manage, so it’s essential that concussed patients take frequent breaks during exercise. They can also set a timer to remind them when to stop and refuel before their symptoms flare up again.
Other activities that can be beneficial for those with concussions include stretching exercises, yoga, and even swimming. These exercises help strengthen and tone muscles, increase flexibility, and reduce muscle spasms.
Begin to do these exercises twice a week or as tolerated. Increasing the frequency or intensity of your routine can also help accelerate recovery time.
The ideal Best Exercise For Concussion Recovery healing
Although it’s recommended that you avoid all contact sports and high-impact activities for at least six weeks after your injury, you can begin exercising once your doctor and therapist give the green light. Begin with mild cardiovascular exercise at first to increase your heart rate without aggravating symptoms; gradually work up to more intense workouts such as running once symptoms have improved enough that there is no risk of further head damage.
