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Clinical Scenario: Recent systematic reviews show conflicting information regarding the effect of concussion on cardiac autonomic function. Controlled aerobic exercise is the most popular intervention for those recovering from a concussion. There is a gap in the literature supporting the utility of objective metrics during exertional return to play protocols and rehabilitation. Clinical Question: Can heart rate variability (HRV) during physical exertion be a reliable biomarker over time for those who suffered a sport-related concussion? Summary of Key Findings: A literature search produced 3 studies relevant to the clinical question. One, a prospective-matched control group cohort study, reported disturbances in HRV during physical exertion in those with a history of concussion, and identified persistent HRV dysfunction after resolution of subjective complaints, return to play, and with multiple concussive events. Second, a cross-sectional cohort study found an HRV difference in those with and without a history of concussion and in HRV related to age and sex. Finally, the prospective longitudinal case–control cohort study did not find sex or age differences in HRV and concluded that, although postconcussion HRV improved as time passed, resting HRV was not as clinically meaningful as HRV during exertional activities. Clinical Bottom Line: There is emerging evidence to support the use of HRV as an observable biomarker, over time, of autonomic function during physical exertion following a sport-related concussion. However, the meaningfulness of HRV data is not fully understood and the utility seems individualized to the level of athlete, age, and sex and, therefore, cannot be generalizable. In order to be more clinically meaningful and to assist with current clinical decision making regarding RTP, a preinjury baseline assessment would be beneficial as an individualized reference for baseline comparison. Strength of Recommendation: Although HRV is not fully understood, currently, there is grade B evidence to support the use of individualized baseline exertional HRV data as comparative objective metric to assess the autonomic nervous system function, over time, following a concussive event.

Background: Recent advances in revascularization procedures have improved survival rates for individuals with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, evidence to guide clinical decision-making for early mobility following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is extremely limited. Purpose: The purpose of this clinical perspective and literature review is to provide context for the clinical interpretation of cardiac troponin (cTn) levels in individuals with ACS following revascularization via PCI and present an evidence-supported clinical decision-making algorithm to guide clinicians in the appropriate timing of initiation of early mobility for individuals with ACS. Methods: A literature review on cTn values is presented to guide the clinical interpretation of laboratory values for clinical decision-making. A comparison of consensus-based guidelines for early mobility is presented as the basis for proposing a novel algorithm for clinical decision-making in individuals with ACS following PCI. Conclusion:The clinical value and utility of postprocedural cTn levels in individuals with ACS following PCI is to help understand prognosis and mortality but does not provide sufficient information about the safety of initiating early mobility following PCI. Decisions for initiation of early mobility in this population using the proposed evidence-supported algorithm may help avoid unnecessary prolongation of bed rest.

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