Gradual return-to-play protocol

 These recommendations from the Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport: The 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport, (Zurich 2008) provide guidance for a gradual return-to-play protocol after the athlete is  symptom-free at rest:
 

• Day 1: light aerobic exercise (walking, swimming , or stationary cycling) keeping exercise heart rate less than 70% of maximum  predicted heart rate.  No resistance training

• Day 2: sport-specific exercise, any activities that incorporate sport-specific skills.  No head impact activities.

• Day 3: non-contact training drills

• Day 4: full contact practice, participate in normal practice activities          

• Day 5: return to competition 

If any concussion symptoms return during any of the above activities, the athlete should return to the previous level, after resting for 24 hours.

Additional resources from the CDC

Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport: the 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, November 2008  Br J Sports Med 2009;43:i76-i84 doi:10.1136/bjsm.2009.058248