Functional Independence Among Young Adults with Post-Concussion Syndrome

Background: Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) significantly impacts the functional independence of young adults following mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). Understanding these effects is essential for developing effective treatment strategies and improving the quality of life for affected individuals. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate how PCS affects the functional independence of young adults who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted over six months at Lahore College of Physical Therapy (LMDC). The study included 61 participants aged 18-25 years, recruited from the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences and Facebook Online Neuro Rehab Groups. Data collection involved the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) questionnaire, adapted into a digital format using Google Forms for online distribution. Participants completed the questionnaire independently, and data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations for continuous variables, and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, were used to summarize the data. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Lahore College of Physical Therapy, LMDC, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Results: The mean age of participants was 22.13 years (SD = 2.59). Of the participants, 37.7% required daily assistance at home, 19.7% needed frequent help at home, and 50.8% experienced reduced work capacity. Additionally, 45.0% required assistance outside the home, and only 44.3% reported no other injury-related problems. Significant proportions faced restrictions in their functional independence, highlighting the pervasive impact of PCS on their daily lives. Conclusion: The study concluded that PCS markedly affects the functional independence of young adults, necessitating assistance with daily activities and work. Early, standardized assessments and multidisciplinary interventions are critical for improving outcomes and quality of life for this population.