MEDITATION AND SPORTS CONCUSSIONBarbara Rein, PT, ATC

Fairview Northland Rehabilitation

Milaca High School

Agenda• History of Meditation

• Effects of Meditation

• Types of Meditation

• Meditation as a Tool for Sports Concussions

• Case study

• Sample of Guided Imagery

History of Meditation`• Evidence of Tantra Meditation 5000 years ago.

a. Researchers suggest primitive hunting and gathering societies discovered meditation while gazing into the flames of their fire.

• Buddha: 500 BC

• Mid Twentieth Century – popularity in the West

• Testing began in the West by researchers and professors in the 1960’s and 1970’s

Effects of Meditation• Results of research have been mixed, but include:

High Blood Pressure

Asthma

Nausea

Fibromyalgia

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Heart Disease and Heart Symptoms

Insomnia

Effects on Meditation continued…• Researchers have found some evidence of effectiveness

for:

Temporomandibular Disorder

Ringing in the ears

Smoking Cessation

Overactive Bladder

Nightmares

Hot Flashes

Brain Waves During Meditation• Alpha Waves: Increased wakeful rest• Beta Waves: minimal, usually

present when planning• Delta Waves: Little activity show-

ing meditation is not sleep• Theta Waves: Increased -

deep relaxation,memorization,

creativity, problem solving, • Gamma Waves: Increased waves, intense focus

Types of Meditation• Tantra• Guided Imagery• Chanting Meditation• Yoga Meditation• Mindfulness• Zazen• Transcendental

Meditation to Help Recovery from Concussion

• Helps with impulsivity• Concentration/focus• Behavioral issues• Faster recovery based on Profile of Moods States

Questionnaire• Increased confidence• Gives the athlete something productive to do while

symptomatic

Case Study

14 year old female volleyball player hit head on floor during competition

Taken out of the game

3 weeks post injury symptoms:

Headache

Light sensitivity

Inability to sleep more than 1-2 hours per night

Cannot tolerate school for more than 1-2 hours

Post Concussion Treatment• PT, OT and SLP referral

• Physical Therapy Treatment

a. Craniosacral Therapy

b. Concussion Education

c. Guided Imagery for Healthful Sleep for home

d. Guided Imagery for Headaches/Trauma during the session

Outcome• Able to sleep 4-6 hours in one week listening to the

Healthful Sleep CD at night and during the day

• ½ days of school were tolerated in 1-1/2 weeks

• Headaches and other symptoms cleared in 3 weeks

Guided Imagery Sample

Guided Imagery CD for Traumatic Brain Injuries

Belleruth Naprostek

Relax, Breathe, Enjoy!

Conclusion

1. It is recommended that athletes learn how to meditate BEFORE they sustain an injury of any kind to help their recovery

2. The athlete needs to find the type of meditation that works best for them

3. It is believed that even if the athlete does not believe in meditation, it can still help them with their recovery

Summary

Thank You