{"id":43408,"date":"2026-11-05T10:22:21","date_gmt":"2026-11-05T15:22:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abccliniquesante.com\/uncategorized\/commotion-cerebrale-se-reposer-ou-faire-de-lexercice-pour-recuperer\/"},"modified":"2026-11-05T12:30:49","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T17:30:49","slug":"commotion-cerebrale-se-reposer-ou-faire-de-lexercice-pour-recuperer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abccliniquesante.com\/en\/concussion\/commotion-cerebrale-se-reposer-ou-faire-de-lexercice-pour-recuperer\/","title":{"rendered":"Concussion : rest or exercise to recover?"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a concussion, rest is often the first instinct. However, recommendations have evolved over the past few years. While strict rest in a dark room was once commonly advised, research now shows that gradually resuming physical activity can support recovery.<\/p>\n

But does this mean you should start moving again immediately after a concussion? Not necessarily. Relative rest followed by a gradual return to activity is now the preferred approach, provided you respect your tolerance and monitor your symptoms.<\/p>\n

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Complete rest after a concussion: an outdated recommendation<\/h2>\n

For a long time, people who sustained a concussion were encouraged to avoid all physical and cognitive activity. This could mean staying in a dark room, limiting screen time, and even being woken up regularly during the night to monitor their condition. However, scientific knowledge has evolved. Strict and prolonged rest is no longer routinely recommended after a concussion.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The international consensus statement<\/a> published following the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport, held in Amsterdam in 2022, highlights the benefits of physical activity and aerobic exercise during the recovery process.<\/p>\n

A randomized clinical trial published in 2019 by Leddy and colleagues<\/a> also demonstrated that individualized aerobic exercise could reduce the risk of prolonged recovery in individuals who sustained a sport-related concussion.<\/p>\n

These findings support a different approach: relative rest, followed by a gradual return to activities.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

What is relative rest after a concussion?<\/h2>\n

Relative rest involves temporarily reducing activities that worsen symptoms without completely eliminating movement and everyday stimulation. In practical terms, certain light activities can be resumed as tolerated, while avoiding those that cause a significant increase in symptoms.<\/p>\n

For example, a short walk may be appropriate for some people, while others may need to start with even lighter activities. The goal is to allow the brain to recover without placing excessive demands on it. It is therefore essential to adjust activity levels to each individual and monitor how their condition evolves.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Why can exercise support recovery?<\/h2>\n

A concussion causes changes in how the brain functions. These may include a chemical imbalance and reduced cerebral blood flow. The brain must then work to return to its normal functioning.<\/p>\n

These changes can lead to various symptoms, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n