[Skip to content](https://oculogica.com/new-study-shows-that-aerobic-exercise-after-a-sport-related-concussionimproves-executive-function/#content)

Think rest is best after a concussion? Think again! A study published in the February 2025 issue of the Journal _of Sports Sciences_ titled “Sub-symptom Threshold Aerobic Exercise Improves Executive Function in Individuals with Sport-Related Concussion” explores the impact of controlled aerobic exercise on cognitive recovery post-concussion. The [University of Western Ontario in Canada](https://www.uwo.ca/fhs/kin/index.html) research team studied 16 participants over a five-month period who were diagnosed with sport-related concussion.

Participants comprised of 11 males and 5 females and were age 17-25 years old. This study is small, but the findings are promising and imply a different approach to concussion management.

**Key Findings:**

- Sport-related concussion symptomology was not enhanced when assessed immediately postexercise
- Benefits did appear 24 hours later
- People who experienced a sport-related concussion showed improvement in executive function following one aerobic exercise session that reached sub-symptom thresholds

**What this means for concussion patients who have suffered a sport-related concussion:**

This research challenges the traditional approach of complete rest following a concussion, suggesting that carefully managed aerobic exercise can be beneficial for cognitive recovery. Healthcare providers may consider incorporating sub-symptom threshold aerobic activities into rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from sport-related concussions. For a more comprehensive understanding, readers are encouraged to access the full study here: [Sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise improves executive function during the early stage of sport-r](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02640414.2025.2453337)

##### EyeBOX® is the first FDA cleared concussion assessment that does not require a baseline test

## Request Demo

"\*" indicates required fields

X/Twitter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

First Name\*

First

Last Name\*

Last

Email\*

Phone\*

Organization\*

State/Region\*

\- Select an Option -AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces PacificAustraliaCanadaOther

Preferred demonstration date and time and anything else you’d like to share about your interest:

I would like to subscribe to Oculogica's mailing list.

How did you hear about us?

Google SearchInstagramTwitterLinkedInReferral from colleagueMedical ConferenceOnline News ArticleOther

Please tell us more

What was your search term?

Δ

Scroll to Top