In the current literature, there is an interest in the body’s ability to shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic cardiovascular functions, as well as cardiovascular rhythm, metabolism and temperature regulation and how these processes may relate to prolonged recovery from concussion.

The authors of this study hypothesized that concussed individuals would show a reduced ability to have autonomic regulation, and an increase in heart rate and perceived exertion following concussion.

A prospective and controlled study was used to investigate the autonomic response of the body following a recent concussion (mean time since injury was 5 days) when using the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test.