Resting until symptoms disappear might not be the best way to treat a concussion, new research into concussion treatment suggests.

A new study of over 2,400 concussed children, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that those who began physical activity within a week after a concussion had fewer persistent symptoms later on. Each child was evaluated at the 7-day and 28-day marks, and a significantly smaller percentage of the early activity participants reported symptoms at both checkpoints than of those who rested.

This is a deviation from how concussions are usually treated. For years, expert opinion and general intuition have dictated that concussion victims should avoid activity until their brains have had time to heal completely. It stands to reason – we avoid using a broken arm or a twisted ankle while the injury repairs itself, so why would the brain be any different?

But apparently, the brain is different, and if further research proves this study right, if activity early in the process is beneficial, it could completely transform concussion recovery.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.