A New Way to Gauge Pediatric Concussion
January 13, 2026
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3 min
The Pediatric Concussion Treadmill Test (PCTT) is a newly developed exertional assessment for children aged 5 to 12 years, evaluating exercise tolerance post-concussion. Aiming to identify exercise intolerance, the test measures cardiovascular responses during progressively challenging treadmill tasks, correlating heart rate responses with symptom exacerbation to guide management. Clinicians utilize baseline metrics and monitor child safety during the assessment to inform treatment decisions focused on aerobic exercise for concussion recovery. This approach aligns with American Heart Association guidelines, filling gaps in existing concussion protocols for younger populations.
1. PCTT designed for ages 5-12 to assess exercise tolerance post-concussion. 2. Measures heart rate and symptoms to establish recovery protocols. 3. Testing aligns with AHA guidelines for pediatric cardiac stress testing. 4. Threshold for exhaustion noted at >8 perceived exertion. 5. Test complementary to comprehensive evaluations. 6. Input includes acclimatization period on treadmill. 7. No conflict of interest reported by researchers.
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