Moderate screen time during the first three days after a concussion is linked to faster recovery among teenagers, according to a study published on Jun. 9 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The research analyzed data from 80 concussed adolescents aged 11 to 17 who were enrolled within 72 hours of their injury. The participants were monitored until their symptoms resolved or for up to 45 days. Symptom resolution was determined through daily Post-Concussion Symptom Scale surveys and confirmed by a certified athletic trainer or doctor.
The study found that an average of 141 minutes of daily screen use in the initial three days following concussion was associated with a 35% faster rate of symptom resolution compared to an average of 260 minutes per day. Exploratory analyses indicated that those spending between 120 and 240 minutes per day on screens experienced quicker symptom clearance than those with less than 120 minutes or more than 240 minutes per day.
When examined by type, smartphone use averaging between 120 and 240 daily minutes led to symptoms clearing more than twice as fast compared to lower or higher usage. Watching television for between 60 and 120 minutes per day resulted in symptoms resolving three times as quickly as watching for longer periods. However, computer/tablet use and gaming did not show significant associations with faster recovery.
Researchers noted limitations such as small sample size, lack of measurement regarding content and context of screen time, brightness settings, blue-light-blocking glasses usage, cognitive engagement levels, unrecorded school-hour screen use, and timing details for total daily screen time.
"While our findings add to the limited evidence on screen time and acute concussion recovery in youth, standardised definitions, uniform measurement, and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are needed. Further research should also explore the context and content of screen use to better understand its impact on concussion recovery in youth," said the researchers. They concluded, "Rather than advising complete screen avoidance, clinicians may consider recommending a daily screen time target of about 141 mins to support recovery."
