A concussion, also referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury, is caused by a blow to the head or a severe shaking of the head and body. Anyone can get a concussion, whether by playing sports, being involved in a car accident, or having a fall. The symptoms of a concussion can be different for each person, but may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and fatigue. In this article, we will discuss the best exercise for concussion recovery.
While rest is essential during the first few days following a concussion, the time may come when exercise can help in the recovery process. When beginning to exercise again, it is essential to take things slowly and to avoid activities that are physically or mentally demanding. Once a doctor has given the go-ahead to start exercising, the best exercise for concussion recovery is aerobic exercise.
Aerobic exercise is a type of exercise that increases your heart rate and breathing rate. This type of exercise helps to improve blood flow to the brain, which is essential for brain function. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming.
It is recommended to start with low-intensity exercise, such as short walks or slow cycling. As symptoms improve, the duration and intensity of aerobic exercise can be increased gradually. It is essential to listen to your body and to stop exercising if any symptoms worsen or return.
The benefits of aerobic exercise for concussion recovery are numerous. Aerobic exercise helps to improve blood flow to the brain, which can help to reduce headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Additionally, aerobic exercise has been found to improve mood and cognitive function, especially attention and memory.
Another type of exercise that can be beneficial for concussion recovery is neck strengthening exercises. These exercises help to improve the strength and flexibility of the neck muscles, which can help to reduce the risk of future concussions. Examples of neck strengthening exercises include isometric neck contractions, neck rotations, and chin tucks.
When performing neck strengthening exercises, it is essential to avoid any exercises that cause pain or discomfort. Additionally, it is important to start with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase the duration and intensity as symptoms improve.
Finally, balance exercises are also helpful for concussion recovery. These exercises can help to improve balance and coordination, which are often affected after a concussion. Examples of balance exercises include standing on one leg, heel-to-toe walking, and standing on a wobble board.
It is important to perform balance exercises on a stable surface initially and have a wall or a chair nearby to prevent falls. Balance exercises should be started at low intensity and gradually increased as symptoms improve.
The best exercise for concussion recovery depends on the symptoms and physical condition of the individual. However, aerobic exercise, neck strengthening exercises, and balance exercises have all been found to be beneficial. When beginning to exercise again, it is essential to take things slowly and to listen to your body. If symptoms worsen or return, stop exercising and consult a doctor. Exercise can be a helpful tool in the road to recovery after a concussion, but it should be performed with care and caution.
