Overview
- The randomized trial published Wednesday found 62.5% of children receiving early, tailored multidisciplinary care fully recovered by three months compared with 37% receiving usual care.
- The study enrolled 158 children aged 8–18 who began treatment about four weeks after injury and received up to eight weekly sessions combining education, physiotherapy and psychological support.
- About 94% of children in the treatment arm saw symptom improvement during the eight-week program, with fewer sleep, physical, cognitive and emotional problems reported.
- Researchers say family and school education, graded return to activity, and addressing parent anxiety and pre‑existing conditions such as migraine are key parts of why the program worked.
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has funding and plans to scale the model beyond hospital clinics with telehealth delivery to reach families outside major cities and reduce long school and sport disruptions.