Efficiency of an Active Rehabilitation Intervention in a Slow-to-Recover Paediatric Population following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study

<i>Objective</i>. The aim of this study was to identify whether the addition of an individualised Active Rehabilitation Intervention to standard care influences recovery of young patients who are slow-to-recover following a mTBI. <i>Methods</i>. Fifteen participants aged 15 ± 2 years received standard care and an individualised Active Rehabilitation Intervention which included (1) low- to high-intensity aerobic training; (2) sport-specific coordination exercises; and (3) therapeutic balance exercises. The following criteria were used to measure the resolution of signs and symptoms of mTBI: (1) absence of postconcussion symptoms for more than 7 consecutive days; (2) cognitive function corresponding to normative data; and (3) absence of deficits in coordination and balance. <i>Results</i>. The Active Rehabilitation Intervention lasted 49 ± 17 days. The duration of the intervention was correlated with self-reported participation ([Formula: see text]%, <i>r</i> = -0.792, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The average postconcussion symptom inventory (PCSI) score went from a total of 36.85 ± 23.21 points to 4.31 ± 5.04 points after the intervention (<i>Z</i> = -3.18, <i>p</i> = 0.001). <i>Conclusion</i>. A progressive submaximal Active Rehabilitation Intervention may represent an important asset in the recovery of young patients who are slow-to-recover following a mTBI.