A Multi-modal Evaluation of a Physical Intervention Approach to Treating Post-Concussive Symptoms

Recruitment will include the use of posters, social media, and word of mouth. Posters designed to recruit healthy individuals free of a concussion will be displayed around Lakehead University, as well as various public spaces in Thunder Bay. Separate posters (attached) will also be used to recruit persons who have sustained a concussion in the previous two weeks to six months and are still experiencing symptoms (Persistent Post-concussive symptoms; PCS). These posters will be displayed at Fairway Physiotherapy and healthcare clinics around Thunder Bay. All posters will be shared on Lakehead University School of Kinesiology social media pages.

Prior to participating in the study, all participants will have a medical examination with Dr. Wark at least two weeks following the initial injury. If the potential participant expresses interest in the study, his/her information will be passed along to a member of the research team. A member of the research team will contact the potential participant to schedule pre intervention assessments based on the participant's, research team, and lab availability. Participants will also be provided with a copy of the information letter at this time. Any medical screening tools will be kept by Dr. Wark as part of the patient's medical records, regardless of eligibility for the study. Any information taken from these records will be recorded using a data abstraction form.

Healthy and PCS participants will be scheduled for pre intervention physical, cognitive, neuroimaging, biomarker, and driving behaviour assessments at Lakehead University. All pre intervention assessments will be completed over the course of one week. At the first session, a member of the research team will complete the informed consent process; participants will be provided with a verbal overview of the study and the information letter. Following the informed consent process, healthy participants will complete the short form International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Following the informed consent process, PCS participants will be provided with Garmin VivoSmart heart rate (HR) unit to monitor aerobic activity outside of the study (accelerometer, heart rate monitor, and step counter capabilities). Participants will be required to wear the Garmin units as often as possible for the duration of the study. Depending on scheduling, participant's will then complete one of the baseline assessments.

Baseline Assessments