Activity Trackers

Research Paper:

Effectiveness of wearable activity trackers to increase physical activity and improve health: a systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Article Breakdown

This study examined the effectiveness of activity trackers for improving physical activity and other health measures. The shines a positive light on the use of activity trackers and their ability to inspire physical activity and positive health outcomes across some physiological measures. The review noted a meaningful benefit of activity trackers and noted areas for further research on this topic to establish additional insights in relation to other health measures (physiological and psychosocial).

Main Findings

• The meta-analyses suggested activity trackers improved physical activity, body composition (, and fitness, equating to approximately 1800 extra steps per day, 40 min per day more walking, and reductions of approximately 1 kg in bodyweight.
• Effects for other physiological (blood pressure, cholesterol, and glycosylated haemoglobin) and psychosocial (quality of life and pain) outcomes were typically small and often non-significant.

Limitations 

• Although the sample chosen was comprehensive and incorporated elements related to the title, the authors acknowledge the exclusion of systematic reviews related to activity tracker-based interventions in populations with mental illness.

Main Takeaway Message

Activity trackers appear to be effective at increasing physical activity in a variety of age groups and clinical and non-clinical populations. 

Study Reference and Access

Ferguson T, Olds T, Curtis R, Blake H, Crozier AJ, Dankiw K, Dumuid D, Kasai D, O’Connor E, Virgara R, Maher C. Effectiveness of wearable activity trackers to increase physical activity and improve health: a systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Lancet Digit Health. 2022 Aug;4(8):e615-e626. doi: 10.1016/S2589-7500(22)00111-X. PMID: 35868813.

Physical Interventions

Research Paper:

Do physical interventions improve outcomes following concussion: a systematic review and meta-analysis?

Article Breakdown

Reid, Farbenblum & McLeod (2022) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effect of physical interventions (ie., subthreshold aerobic exercise, cervical, vestibular and/or oculomotor therapies) on days to recovery and symptom scores for concussion management. 

The authors reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCT) for interventions of subthreshold aerobic exercise, cervical, vestibular and/or oculomotor therapies. Twelve RCTs met their inclusion criteria: 7 on subthreshold aerobic exercise, 1 on vestibular therapy, 1 on cervical therapy and 3 on individually tailored multimodal interventions.

Main Findings

• Of the 12 trials reviewed in this study, four of them included participants with acute concussion symptoms and eight included those with persistent symptoms.
• Their analysis found subthreshold aerobic exercise had only a small effect in reducing symptoms, but more importantly it shows that subthreshold aerobic exercise does not make symptoms worse in both acute and persistent concussion, which to date has been somewhat unknown (Reid, Farbenblum & McLeod, 2022, pg. 296).
• Additionally, individually tailored multimodal intervention can help facilitate a faster return to sport while decreasing symptoms with those with persistent symptoms.
• They also found limited evidence for stand-alone cervical, vestibular and oculomotor therapies.
• Although there was limited evidence for stand-alone cervical or vestibular therapy, when it was incorporated into multi-modal collaborative care, including cervical, oculomotor and vestibular rehabilitation tailored to the patient’s presentation, there is evidence of a positive outcome.

Limitations 

• A limitation of the review was the small number of studies for certain interventions and the inclusion of trials with small sample sizes (Reid, Farbenblum & McLeod, 2022, pg. 297). With these limitations, there is a possibility of skewed or biassed data, please interpret the results with caution. 

Main Takeaway Message

This study provides reassurance to the Rhea Active Recovery approach of subthreshold aerobic exercise and its potential benefits in both the acute phase or those with persistent symptoms. The research highlights aerobic exercise in reducing symptoms, as well as no negative implications to using this approach. While this approach does not lead to a faster recovery, other evidence brought forth in this review suggests that a multi-modal approach to recovery can lead to a faster return to sport for those with persistent symptoms.

Study Reference and Access

Reid SA, Farbenblum J, McLeod S. Do physical interventions improve outcomes following concussion: a systematic review and meta-analysis? Br J Sports Med. 2022 Mar;56(5):292-298. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103470. Epub 2021 Sep 30. PMID: 34593371.

Yoga

Can yoga help with my concussion recovery?

Yoga can be a great source of exercise or mindful movement for people with a concussion. There is something to be said for connecting your mind, body and spirit as you go through the recovery process. And as far as yoga is concerned in the concussion population, Love Your Brain Yoga (LYBY) is a tremendous organization and resource to learn how you can integrate yoga into your recovery regimen today.

Concussion Recovery

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Recovery from a concussion is individualized and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Predicting recovery from a single concussion is challenging, given the unique nature of the injury. Recovery is measured by ongoing progression through the graded step-wise protocol of increasing exposure to school, physical activity, work, and social life. Progression is not based on time but based on your response (symptoms and performance) to the rehab protocol.

We know that on average school-aged students take approximately two to four weeks to fully return to all activities. Each concussion is unique – don’t compare one person’s recovery to another’s. Healing from a concussion is a process that takes patience. Rushing back to activities can make symptoms worse and recovery longer.

What can I do to recover from a concussion?

Since a concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury, it is important that individuals modify their lifestyle and activities to promote brain recovery. This includes:

• Adequate amounts of rest
• Adequate amounts of sleep
• Adequate nutrition and not skipping meals
• Keeping well hydrated
• Avoiding activities that significantly worsen symptoms
• Avoiding situations that can be stressful
• No alcohol and recreational drugs
• Strictly avoiding situations that can place the person at risk of future head injuries or concussions
• Stay engaged. Do not isolate yourself and avoid social interactions (i.e., cocoon).

After a concussion, am I at risk of future concussions?

The vast majority of people who suffer a single concussion recover and go on to live normal lives. However, individuals who have suffered even one concussion are at risk of suffering further concussions that may occur with less force and may require longer periods of time to recover. Multiple concussions or incomplete recovery can be a risk factor for deterioration in performance (e.g., school, work), depression, and anxiety – it is therefore important that students avoid concussions and report them immediately when they do happen.