Assessing the Effects of Photobiomodulation on Clinical Recovery From Concussion in Adolescents
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Summary
The purpose of this study is to compare effects of Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMt) to standard of care in adolescent athletes at risk for delayed recovery from subacute sports concussion, to substantiate the impact of subacute PBMt over time on functional and structural connectivity of the brain using advanced MRI sequences and to correlate the psychological and behavioral outcomes to neuroimaging findings
Eligibility
- Age range
- 13–18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * current participants in a school- or club-sponsored sport (contact or non-contact) * access to wireless internet service at home * diagnosis of sports-related concussion (SRC) (according to consensus diagnostic criteria) by a licensed healthcare provider,3-7 days from the concussive injury at the time of enrolment * considered at-risk for protracted recovery based on Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) performance and symptom reporting on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) Exclusion Criteria: * acute neurologic deterioration to a G…
Interventions
- DevicePhotobiomodulation therapy (PBMt)
Participants will be asked to use the photobiomodulation (PBM) device for 20 minutes, daily (e.g., Monday - Sunday) for a total of 30 days. The device will be preprogrammed and automatically switched off after 20 minutes.
- OtherStandard of Care
The patient is provided with verbal and written education including what a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is, favorable expectations for recovery, and advice about how to manage specific symptoms. Relative rest for the first 24-48 hours after an mTBI is recommended as the main goal is to alleviate symptoms and reduce demands on the brain. After an initial period of relative rest and symptom stabilization, patients are encouraged to gradually resume normal daily activities as tolerated. Physical and cognitive activities can be progressively resumed at a pace that does not worse existing or create new symptoms. Education, return to activity advice, and symptom management are all reviewed in subsequent visits as needed.
Location
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHouston, Texas