The state of the science for potential contributors to musculoskeletal injury following concussion: Mechanisms, gaps, and clinical considerations

Abstract

Concussion is a common mild traumatic brain injury affecting athletic, military, and general populations. While unrestricted medical clearance often occurs within 1-month, emerging evidence indicates prolonged sensorimotor control deficiencies and greater musculoskeletal injury risk after a concussion. Various theoretical frameworks and original studies indicate potential neurophysiological alterations affecting sensory input, sensorimotor integration, and neuromotor output, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. This commentary aims to briefly review the literature on contributors to sensory and neuromotor deficiencies potentially related to musculoskeletal injury risk, recommend future research avenues to better understand these factors, and highlight current and future clinical applications.