From the Guidelines
After a concussion, you should generally avoid sports and physical activity for at least 24-48 hours, followed by a gradual return-to-play protocol that typically takes 5-7 days minimum if symptoms resolve appropriately. This protocol involves progressing through stages including light aerobic exercise, sport-specific exercise, non-contact training drills, full-contact practice, and finally return to competition, with each stage lasting at least 24 hours, as outlined in the concussion rehabilitation protocol 1. You should only advance to the next stage if you remain symptom-free. If symptoms return during any stage, you must rest until symptoms resolve and then restart the protocol at the previous asymptomatic stage.
The return-to-play protocol is crucial in managing concussions, and it is essential to follow an individualized course, as each athlete will recover at a different pace 1. The phrase, “When in doubt, sit them out!” is paramount in the management of a pediatric or adolescent concussion. No athlete should return to play while still symptomatic at rest or with exertion. Children and adolescents typically require more conservative management with longer recovery periods, often 7 to 10 days or longer, due to a longer cognitive recovery period compared to college-aged or professional athletes.
Some key points to consider when returning to play after a concussion include:
- Avoiding sports and physical activity for at least 24-48 hours after the concussion
- Progressing through a gradual return-to-play protocol with at least 24 hours between each stage
- Only advancing to the next stage if symptom-free
- Restarting the protocol at the previous asymptomatic stage if symptoms return
- Obtaining final clearance to return to full sports participation from a healthcare provider who can evaluate your specific situation and recovery progress.
It is essential to prioritize caution and follow a careful approach to returning to play after a concussion to minimize the risk of prolonged recovery, worsened symptoms, and potentially dangerous second impact syndrome 1.
From the Research
Return to Sport after Concussion
- The provided studies do not directly address the question of how long one can do sport after a concussion 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is mentioned that graded noncontact exercise is part of the concussion treatment plan, suggesting that return to sport is a gradual process 2.
- The studies focus on the management of concussion symptoms, such as headache, and the use of medications to alleviate these symptoms 3, 4, 5.
- One study discusses the importance of establishing an evidence-based definition for concussion, which could potentially inform guidelines for return to sport 6.
Concussion Management and Return to Sport
- The management of concussion symptoms is crucial in determining when an individual can return to sport 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The use of medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may be prescribed for short-term headache relief, but long-term medication overuse should be avoided 3, 4, 5.
- A gradual return to sport, with a focus on graded noncontact exercise, may be recommended as part of the concussion treatment plan 2.