Heart Rate Variability and Exertion Reveal Recovery Status After Mild Brain I…

Brief exertional tasks combined with heart rate variability (HRV) measurements can help detect autonomic nervous system dysfunction after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which affects recovery and readiness to resume full activity. Monitoring HRV during these tasks may guide safer return-to-duty decisions by revealing lingering autonomic impairments that are not always apparent through symptom reports alone. This approach offers a practical tool for primary care to better assess recovery progress and reduce the risk of re-injury by identifying exercise intolerance early in mTBI patients.