Move&Connect: A feasibility study of a group-based active rehabilitation intervention for youth with persistent post-concussion symptoms

Research Objectives To examine the feasibility of Move&Connect, a novel active rehabilitation (AR) group-based intervention, for youth with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Design Qualitative descriptive study. Setting A children's rehabilitation hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Participants There is a total of ten participants: five females aged 12-17 years with PPCS ranging from 4-12 months post injury, and their parents of five mothers. The selection procedure is purposive sampling from the hospital's brain injury clinic. Interventions Move&Connect is an interdisciplinary group-based intervention that integrates AR and education to address PPCS in youth. It includes individualized low-intensity exercises and teaching of concussion self-management skills. The six-week intervention consists of weekly one hour sessions, and is co-facilitated by an occupational therapist and a physical therapist. Main Outcome Measures Semi-structured interviews with youth and parent participants. Results Based on content analysis of interview data, a visual representation was developed to capture youth experiences with the intervention. The visual illustrates three overarching categories: (a) Therapeutic engagement, (b) Youth feelings, and (c) Program outcomes. Youth participants reported engaging in meaningful intervention activities, bonding with peers over shared experiences, and learning relevant skillset. Additionally, youth noted feeling confident, motivated, and increased participation in activities of daily living. Parent participants also appreciated the intervention unique features, and emphasized the importance of their children connecting to peers with similar experiences. Conclusions Move&Connect merges the benefits of social support, physical activity, and concussion education to help youth with PPCS return to daily activities. Results suggest that the intervention is feasible and meaningful to youth with PPCS. A large-scale pilot study is required to examine the effectiveness of Move&Connect. Study findings will guide future AR and group interventions on concussion care. Author(s) Disclosures There are no conflicts or disclosures to be declared by the authors.