Understanding factors influencing exercise program adherence for youth with persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS).
Beth J Bollinger, Sara Pd Chrisman, Jordan Sahlberg and 8 others
PMID 39562313WHAT IT FOUND
Youth with persistent concussion symptoms identified four key drivers for sticking to exercise programs: social support, accountability, goal setting, and structure.
Weekly check-ins and clear progression templates helped overcome fear of symptom exacerbation and prioritization barriers.
Key findings
01Four primary themes influenced exercise adherence: social support, accountability, goal setting, and structure.
02Weekly check-ins with a health coach fostered a sense of obligation and helped youth prioritize exercise over competing demands like homework.
03Structured programs with clear progression templates and tailored exercises helped combat fear that exercise would worsen symptoms or cause re-injury.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample was small (17 youth, 15 parents) and lacked diversity, being predominantly female, non-Hispanic White, and from the Seattle region. All parents were female, limiting insights into the role of male caregivers. Participants were recruited from a specific clinical trial with financial incentives, which may not reflect general population adherence behaviors. The study explored perceptions and experiences, not objective adherence rates or clinical outcomes.
Declared interests
The authors report no competing interests.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these themes as evidence that these specific strategies improve clinical recovery outcomes. The study reports participant perceptions of what helped them adhere to the program, not whether those strategies actually increased adherence rates or symptom resolution compared to standard care.