The Effects of Concussion on Energy Expenditure in Adolescents

An abstract of a study by Bernitt et al examining the effects of concussion on REE, TEE and caloric intake (CI) in adolescent athletes is presented. Their preliminary findings suggest that adolescent athletes do not experience a systemic rise in REE or TEE following a diagnosed concussion. Despite the lack of statistical significance, concussed individuals were observed to consume a fewer calories compared to healthy participants, and maintain a negative caloric balance throughout recovery. Hypocaloric diets following injury may hinder the recovery process. Therefore, clinicians must be aware of the potential for caloric imbalance following a concussion.