Which treadmill test best measures concussion recovery in teens?
NCT ID NCT06276660
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study compares two treadmill tests—the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test and a modified dynamic exertion test—in teens aged 14-17 who had a sport-related concussion within the past 14 days. The goal is to see which test better measures symptoms like headache and dizziness, as well as heart rate changes. Sixty participants will do one test and report their symptoms. This is not a treatment study; it aims to improve how doctors assess recovery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could help doctors choose the best exercise test to guide concussion recovery in teens.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 60 participants, and it does not test any treatment. Results may not apply to all concussion patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Mar 2024
- Expected to finish
-
Sep 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
14 to 17 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with a sport related concussion within 14 days of injury * Participants referred to exertion therapy after a trained clinician from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Sports Medicine Concussion Program has interpreted neurocognitive, vestibular, and clinical interview outcomes and determined the participant is capable of completing structured exercise. Exclusion Criteria: * Medically cleared from a previous concussion within the past 6 months * More than 2 previous concussions (excluding current injury) * History of brain surgery or traumatic brain injury (TBI) (based on Glasgow Coma Scale of \<13) * History of neurological disorder (seizure disorder, epilepsy, brain tumors or malformations) * Current history of pre-existing vestibular disorder or oculomotor condition * Currently taking antidepressant, anticoagulant, beta-blocker, or anticonvulsant prescription medications * Incapable of treadmill running up to 5.5 miles per hour (mph) and 4.5 mph for males and females respectively (self-reported). * Diagnosed with a cardiac, peripheral, or cerebrovascular disease (type 1 or 2 diabetes, or renal disease. * Experienced chest pain or shortness of breath while at rest or with mild exertion. * Lose balance because of dizziness or have lost consciousness (aside from concussion) from exertion * Currently have (or have had within the past 12 months) a bone, joint, or soft tissue (muscle, ligament, or tendon) problem that could be made worse by physical activity * Been told by a doctor to only conduct physical activity under medical supervision.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Mild traumatic brain injury are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
UPMC/Univ of Pgh Sports Medicine Concussion Research Program
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15203, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can group wellness classes improve life after brain injury or dementia?
- Rewiring the veteran brain: could visual training counteract cognitive decline?
- Eye-Tracking goggles could spot hidden brain injuries
- Can tailored magnetic pulses quiet a concussed brain?
- Could a smartphone app help teens recover from concussion?
- New study aims to predict concussion recovery in children using symptoms and biology