Article

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To present an innovative approach to the management of
children who are slow to recover after a sport-related concussion. Research
design: The article describes the underlying principles and the development of
specific interventions for a new rehabilitation programme as well as preliminary
data on pre- and post-rehabilitation changes in outcome measures. METHODS AND
PROCEDURES: Development of the intervention was done using multiple perspectives
including that of the literature, of experts in the field of traumatic brain
injury and of experienced clinicians involved with the paediatric and adolescent
MTBI clientele. A logic model was developed providing sound theoretical
background to the intervention. The intervention was implemented and evaluated
with a sample of 16 children and adolescents. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The
presented cases suggest that involvement in controlled and closely monitored
rehabilitation in the post-acute period may promote recovery in children and
adolescents who present with atypical recovery following a concussion. All 16 of
the children and adolescents who participated in the programme experienced a
relatively rapid recovery and returned to their normal lifestyles and sport
participation. CONCLUSIONS: A gradual, closely-supervised active rehabilitation
programme in the post-acute period (i.e. after 1 month post-injury) appears
promising to improve the care provided to children who are slow to recover.

Langue : ANGLAIS