A New Way to Gauge Pediatric Concussion
A practical, age-appropriate treadmill protocol outlines how clinicians can safely assess exercise intolerance and guide concussion management in children aged 5 to 12 years.
By
Kathryn Wighton
January 13, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: A New Way to Gauge Pediatric Concussion
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Pediatric Concussion Key Mechanisms Assessment of exercise tolerance through graded treadmill testing. Target Population Children aged 5 to 12 years. Care Setting Clinical settings for concussion management.
Key Highlights
Children reaching 70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate without symptom increase are exercise tolerant. The Pediatric Concussion Treadmill Test is tailored for children, addressing limitations of adult protocols. Testing includes acclimation, symptom monitoring, and structured exertion assessment. The test aligns with American Heart Association guidelines for pediatric cardiac stress testing. Systematic identification of exercise intolerance informs concussion severity and management. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Conduct a comprehensive clinical concussion evaluation. Management
Utilize subsymptom threshold aerobic exercise as the primary treatment for concussion recovery. Monitoring & Follow-up
Record baseline resting heart rate and symptom severity before testing. Risks
Terminate testing with symptom exacerbation, voluntary exhaustion, or safety concerns. Patient & Prescribing Data
Children aged 5 to 12 years post-concussion.
Exercise tolerance assessment can guide individualized management strategies.
Clinical Best Practices
Incorporate the Pediatric Concussion Treadmill Test into concussion evaluations. Monitor heart rate and symptoms throughout the testing process. Ensure acclimation to the treadmill before exertion testing. References
