The overall goal of this research is to provide pilot data that informs and drives a larger scale research project, incorporating multiple contemporary measurement modalities, to understand the utility and pathological mechanisms by which exposure to nature-based settings may aid in recovery time and symptom relief of individuals suffering from concussion, and decrease their risk of developing Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome (PPCS).
We hypothesize that successful adherence to a nature-based exposure therapy intervention program will decrease recovery time and severity of symptom trajectory of concussion, as measured through multimodal assessments of brain structural and functional integrity.
Require that any participant is 14-35 years old
Required that any participant under 18 years old can be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the study
Required that participants be English speakers
Required that persons be able to provide consent for themselves
Exclude persons under 14 years old or over 35 years old
Exclude persons taking anti-inflammatory drugs (both prescription and OTC), or those who will have taken them within 24 hours prior to Visit 1
Exclude smokers and former smokers, as defined by CDC. (Anyone who smokes daily or who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime)
Those with presence of an active infection (including a dental infection)
Penn State University
Lead sponsor
Social Sciences Research Institute at Penn State University
Collaborator