A-48 Athletes that self-report no physical activity/rest are more likely to exhibit clinical levels of state anxiety following concussion

Abstract Objective To investigate the influence of self-reported physical activity (PA) on state anxiety in athletes with concussion Method Participants were 230 athletes (mean age = 16.46, SD = 1.94; 43% female) seeking care for a concussion at a specialty clinic within 30 days of injury (M = 8.83, SD = 6.12 days). Demographic data were collected during the clinical interview: age, sex, and history of concussion, migraine, learning disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression. Patients completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and self-reported current levels of PA; 113 participants reported rest or no physical activity (REST) and 117 reported at least minimal PA (ACTIVE). The groups were compared on demographic variables to ensure group equivalence. Independent samples t-test examined differences between groups on state anxiety scores and a chi-square with odds ratios (ORs) examined the relationship between PA groups and clinical levels of state anxiety (STAI > 40). Statistical significance for all analyses was (p .05). The NO PA/REST group exhibited significantly higher state anxiety scores at first clinic visit than the PA group (t (228) = 2.82, p = .005), and the NO PA/REST group was 2.26 times more likely to exhibit clinical levels of state anxiety than the PA group at first clinic visit (χ2 (1, N = 230) = 9.16, p = .002). Conclusions Anxiety that is secondary to concussive injury could be mitigated with physical activity. Healthcare providers should encourage individuals with concussion to engage in physical activity during recovery.