Sport Related Concussions

It is recommended that any individual who receives contact to the head or body with enough force to knock the skull around should be taken out of play and given a period of rest. If any of the common signs or symptoms of concussion occur the individual should not return to play until assessed by a healthcare professional.

1. Assessment

Assessment by a registered health professional with concussion training should always be performed before returning to competition. A healthcare professional can help guide you back to competition safely. Light, regular daily activities can usually be performed after a period of rest.

2. Light aerobic activity

Each stage of the return-to-play protocol should take a minimum 24 hours. If symptoms of concussion appear or worsen at any stage, the individual should go back to the previous stage. When regular daily activities can be performed for a minimum of 24 hours, light aerobic activity can be introduced.

Light aerobic activity includes walking and light stationary cycling. Individuals should start with 5-15 minutes at a time and gradually increase as recommended by their health professional.

3. Moderate aerobic activity

Moderate aerobic activity continues to increase an individual’s heart rate with body and head movement. Moderate aerobic activity includes jogging, brief bouts of running, and moderate-intensity stationary biking. A gradual return to resistance training can be introduced as recommended by a health professional.

4. Non-contact training

It is important not to rush back into a full practice right away. Moderate aerobic activities can be increased to high-intensity training in this stage of the return-to-play protocol. This training includes, running or sprinting, high-intensity stationary biking, and regular resistance training.

Additionally, sport-specific drills with no risk of physical contact can be introduced. Incorporating drills specific to sport help increase cognitive thinking.

5. Regular training

Clearance may be recommended/required by your sport organization before returning to regular practice. Contact training can be introduced if approved by a health professional. Regular practice in a controlled environment helps build the individual’s confidence before returning to competition. If symptoms of concussion appear or worsen, the individual should be taken out of regular training and go back to the previous stage.

6. Return to competition

Return to competition should happen only after a full return to school and work.