A new randomized clinical trial led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and collaborating institutions found that adults recovering from mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI or concussion) experienced similar overall symptom improvement whether they received targeted, individualized therapies or standard behavioral management care.
The study followed 162 adults, ages 18 to 49, treated at specialty concussion clinics and randomly assigned to either a targeted multidomain (T‑MD) treatment program or a standard behavioral management approach. Participants were followed for four weeks, with additional evaluation at three months.
“What this study shows is that evidence‑based behavioral management remains a very effective foundation for concussion care,” said Anthony P. Kontos, Ph.D., research director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and corresponding author of the study. “At the same time, targeted therapies provided added benefit for specific symptoms such as, vestibular (movement, balance), vision, and cognitive problems.”
Why the Findings Matter
Concussion affects more than 3 million Americans each year, yet many patients do not receive follow‑up care beyond their initial diagnosis. Clinicians have increasingly moved toward earlier and more active treatments, both of which are supported by research, but questions remain about when and how individualized concussion care needs to be.
“These results can help clinicians make informed decisions about concussion treatment,” Kontos said. “These new findings show that behavioral management works well for all patients, but also highlight the benefits of targeted therapies for patients with specific symptoms or clinical profiles.”
Implications for Patient Care
The findings support a flexible, evidence‑based approach to concussion care. Behavioral management—including guided physical activity, sleep regulation, hydration, nutrition and stress management—remain effective for improving overall symptoms. However, targeted interventions may offer additional benefits for patients with vision, vestibular and cognitive profiles.
“Our goal as clinicians is to match the right treatments to the right patient and to do so in a timely fashion,” said Micky Collins, Ph.D., executive and clinical director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program. “This study provides important data to help guide that process to ensure that our patients receive the most effective concussion care possible.”
Share this on:
Copied!