Post Concussion Return to Activity Protocol
All “Steps” are to be supervised by a Licensed Athletic Trainer.
This is a minimum timetable.
Athlete must be symptom free for 24 hours prior to starting this program. (Symptom free mean NO headache, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue, drowsiness, sleep disorders, nervousness, difficulty concentrating and remembering, numbness/tingling in extremities, dizziness, blurred vision, irritability, or depression.)
Impact Post testing if symptoms remain for more than 24 hours, testing to take place within 48-72 hours post injury.
Athlete should refrain from P.E. activities until cleared for all sports activity. (Step 5)
Graded Symptoms Tested Daily
Step 1 – symptom free- light cardiovascular work
Step 2 – symptom free – cardiovascular work with sprint intervals ,
- 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, 5 single leg squats
Step 3 – symptom free - light cardiovascular work
- 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, 5 single leg squats
- 60min. of sports specific actives in practice with No Contact
Step 4 – symptom free –Full practice Contact
Step 5 – symptom free - full Return/ activities
If at any time symptoms return, stop activity. Rest until symptom free for 24-48 hours. Return to Step 1 of the protocol. If symptoms persist consult a physician.
Concussions are injuries to the brain caused by physical trauma to the head or body. Concussions are characterized by immediate post-traumatic impairment of neural function. This alteration of brain function can present as any number of signs and/or symptoms, such as those listed above. A person does NOT have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.
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