Physical Therapy for Sport-Related Concussion: A Network Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

CONTEXT: The effectiveness and optimal exercise-based physical therapy interventions for sport-related concussion (SRC) remain controversial, and a systematic synthesis of the evidence is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating exercise-based physical therapy interventions for SRC recovery and provide best-practice recommendations....

Audiologists managing patients with sport-related concussion and vestibulo-ocular symptoms should note that specific exercise-based physical therapy protocols show comparative effectiveness, supporting referral to physical therapy — though direct vestibular rehabilitation protocols should be confirmed with primary literature.

A network meta-analysis provides the highest-level comparative evidence on exercise-based therapies for sport-related concussion, which has direct implications for interdisciplinary concussion management teams that include vestibular specialists.

1. 01Network meta-analysis allows simultaneous comparison of multiple physical therapy interventions for sport-related concussion.
2. 02Highest-level study design (systematic review + network meta-analysis) strengthens confidence in findings.
3. 03Exercise-based interventions — rather than rest — appear beneficial for concussion recovery.
4. 04Results may inform referral decisions for audiologists managing patients with post-concussive vestibular or auditory symptoms.
5. 05Specific optimal intervention types and dosing details require review of the full paper.

PMID

42358080

DOI

10.1177/19417381261442593.

Journal

Sports Health

Publication type

meta_analysis

Evidence level

1a

Population

Athletes and individuals with sport-related concussion

Intervention

Exercise-based physical therapy interventions for sport-related concussion

Comparator

Multiple active comparators and control conditions (network meta-analysis design)