Virginia Via Research Day Book 2026

Medical Student Research Clinical

21 BRAIN HEALTH SUPPLEMENT PROPHYLAXIS MAY ENHANCE RECOVERY IN FOOTBALL STUDENT ATHLETES POST CONCUSSION

Edmond Dixon, OMS-III; Mark Rogers, DO; Clint Wattenburg, MS, RDN Corresponding author: edixon@vcom.edu

VCOM-Virginia, Blacksburg, Virginia

individuals were given Omega 3 fatty acids with a goal of minimum 2 grams of DHA, Vitamin D, and Creatine supplements beginning at the time of pre season activities. SCAT and ImPACT cognitive testing was obtained prior to each student athlete participating in pre-season activities, and concussed individuals were tested again post-concussion, and followed into their recovery until medical clearance was obtained. Labs and urine screening were obtained periodically to ensure safety of supplementation. Concussion recovery time was compared against average recovery time post concussion in existing literature. Given the nature of the pilot study with a small sample size of those who were previously concussed and had a concussion this season (n=5), reliable statistical analysis was not obtained. Results: Concussed individuals that were given supplementation prophylaxis demonstrated enhanced recovery times post-concussion compared to average recovery.

Background/Context: Concussions commonly affect student athletes in contact sports. Because brain health is a serious medical concern, extensive return to play protocol is implemented into NCAA regulations, which employs use of SCAT and ImPACT cognitive testing for return to play. Brain health supplements, such as Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and Creatine have all shown to enhance recovery outcomes in individuals who so suffer from concussions. Prophylaxis with these supplements and how they impact recovery outcomes in concussed individuals has not yet been accessed in existing literature. Objective/Hypothesis: This pilot study aims to investigate how prophylaxis with these supplements affect student athletes that suffer from concussions and their potential for recovery augmentation. Methods: Virginia Tech football student athletes with a previous history of one or more concussions were selected for this pilot study (n=24). These

Conclusions: Preliminary results demonstrate that prophylaxis may improve brain health outcomes and warrant a larger scale experimental study. Creatine is currently classified as a performance enhancing substance by the NCAA. If future results demonstrate efficacy, safety, and improved brain health outcomes post-concussion, the NCAA may change this classification as it’s use could increase the safety of student athletes.

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192 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)