Physical Therapy for Sport-Related Concussion: A Network Meta-analysis and Systematic Review.
Sports HealthJun 25, 2026 (epub)
Huangyan Li, Jiangxi Yang, Yeting Zhang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This network meta-analysis evaluated exercise-based physical therapy interventions for sport-related concussion (SRC) recovery across 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1320 participants. The study found that multidisciplinary interventions provided the most significant improvements in recovery, with a standardized mean difference of -2.06. The analysis highlights the effectiveness of specific interventions for different age groups and symptom durations.
Key findings
- Multidisciplinary interventions showed the greatest improvement in SRC recovery (SMD = -2.06; P = 0.002).
- Participants under 30 years benefited most from multidisciplinary interventions (SMD = -2.42).
- Patients with persistent symptoms had the highest improvement with multidisciplinary interventions (SMD = -2.999).
Why it matters
Understanding the most effective physical therapy interventions for SRC can guide clinicians in developing tailored rehabilitation programs, potentially improving recovery times and outcomes for athletes.