Does exercise evoke neurological symptoms in healthy subjects?

Concussion is a common injury in collision sports and is evidenced by a variety of signs and symptoms. The recording of neurological symptoms is an important component of screening for a concussion and in return-to-play decisions. However similar symptoms are prevalent in the general population and are reported to be associated with participation in physical activities. The purpose of this study was to document the neurological symptoms reported by healthy individuals following controlled bouts of exercise. A crossover randomised design with 2 levels of exercise intensity, moderate intensity and high intensity, each of 15 min duration was used. Participants completed a standardised postconcussion symptom checklist prior to exercise (pre), immediately following exercise (post-1) and again after 15 min of rest (post-2). 60 participants were recruited into the study. A summed symptom score was calculated and analysed with a 2-way repeated measures ANOVA procedure. The intensity x time interaction (F(2,118) = 23.94, p < 0.001) demonstrated a significant increase in symptom scores for the high intensity condition immediately following exercise (p < 0.001). Although the moderate intensity showed a similar trend this was not significant. These findings suggest that sports medicine professionals need to be aware of the effect of exercise on symptom reporting when assessing and in making return-to-play decisions. (C) 2009 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.