A change in medication has helped improve Mason Martin’s heart rate and oxygen levels over the past week, according to a Facebook update from his father, Denny Martin.

The Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School quarterback is experiencing fewer drops in his heart rates and oxygen levels as he undergoes treatment at UPMC Children’s Hospital, according to the Saturday, Feb. 3, update. Mason is working on a recumbent bike, using a squatting machine and has been up and walking with assistance a few times.

The teen’s father said last week was “a little more encouraging for Mason,” who has been hospitalized since being injured during a football game in September. He has been undergoing medical treatment for traumatic brain injury, and is also going through physical rehabilitation.

“I feel his agitation is under control now,” Martin said. “He will still have a few episodes but it’s usually the result of some type of physical discomfort and not from over stimulation.

“He’s had a few good nights in row which has helped his day time alertness.”

According to Martin, Mason is trialing a BiPAP machine at night, a device that Johns Hopkins Medicine said helps regulate air pressure in a person’s lungs, which has been working well. Martin said once Mason becomes healthier and starts sleeping throughout the night, there likely will be more improvement.

The biggest recent improvements are in Mason’s movements, Martin said. He is taking larger bites of soft foods, is swallowing faster and generally enjoys it, Martin said. Additionally, his head control and rotation have improved, allowing him to turn his head to follow someone around the room, instead of just using his eyes. He is even at times answering questions through finger raising or eye contact.

“So despite the hardships he has faced over the last month, he is still improving,” Martin said. “He has shown it before, like his last week at Mercy, and I know he’s ready to show it again.”