Citation

Siedlecki P, Sanzo P, Zerpa C, Newhouse I. Brain Inj. 2018; 32(13-14): 1824-1833.

Affiliation

School of Kinesiology , Lakehead University , Thunder Bay , ON , Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699052.2018.1506945

PMID

30067397

Abstract

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Recent findings suggest breathing may negatively affect performance after concussion. The aim of the study was to examine group differences between individuals with and without post-concussion syndrome (PCS) in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) and respiratory rate (RR) during neurocognitive and physical tasks. HYPOTHESIS: Individuals in the PCS group will have elevated ETCO₂ and lower RR compared to the control group.

METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was used in which a capnography unit collected ETCO₂ and RR breathing data from 22 participants (control = 17; PCS = 5) during rest, the completion of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) battery and while slow and fast walking. Four repeated measures mixed factorial ANOVAs, with an alpha level set at p ≤ 0.05, were used to examine group and task differences.

RESULTS: Both groups displayed similar breathing responses to cognitive and physical stress; however, PCS participants had significantly elevated ETCO₂ throughout the study (during rest, the ImPACT and while walking) compared to the control. Conversely, no significant group differences were found in RR.

CONCLUSION: Cerebral physiological alterations and deficits in the autonomic nervous system may cause abnormal ETCO₂ in individuals after concussion. Future research evaluating breathing patterns in PCS may be warranted.

Language: en

Keywords

Respiration; capnography; mild traumatic brain injury; neurological function; respiratory rate; walking