If you are diagnosed with a concussion, you require medical clearance to return to physical activities such as team sports, riding a bicycle, driving, etc. Parachute Canada has provided a tool to help you navigate your activity with a Return to Sport Strategy that you can use while you are followed by a doctor. Once your doctor clears you to return to your regular activities, please have them complete the following form:
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO SPORT? It is very important that you do not go back to sports if you have any concussion symptoms or signs. Return to sport and activity must follow a step-wise approach:
| Step | Activity | Examples |
| Step 1 | Activities of daily living and relative rest
(first 24 to 48 hours) |
· moving around the home,
· preparing meals, · light walking · social interactions (e.g., talking with friends or family). · Minimize screen time.
|
| Step 2 | Light to moderate effort aerobic exercise
2A: Start with light aerobic exercise. May begin light resistance training that does not result in more than mild and brief worsening of symptoms.
2B: Gradually increase the intensity of aerobic exercise to moderate effort. Moderate effort means the activity may cause faster breathing and heart rate, but not enough to prevent you from being able to talk comfortably.
|
· Walking slow to medium pace
· Stationary cycling at a slow to medium pace
|
| Step 3 | Individual sport-specific activities, without
risk of inadvertent head impact
Add sport-specific activities that can be done individually (away from other participants) in a low-risk environment.
Activities should be supervised by a coach, trainer, teacher or parent/caregiver.
Continue progressing at this step until symptom-free, even when exercising.
*Medical clearance is required before step 4 and beyond as you progress in your activity level.
|
· Running
· Skating · Throwing drills |
| Step 4 | Training drills and activities with no contact.
Progress to usual intensity exercise and add in more challenging drills such as passing drills. Participate in multi-athlete training (if applicable) and non-contact practices. There should be no impact activities (e.g., no checking, no heading the ball).
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| Step 5 | Return to non-competitive activities, full-contact practice and physical education activities.
Progress to typical physical activities, except for competitive gameplay. Restore confidence and skills.
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| Step 6 | Return to sport and physical activity without restriction |
There should be at least 24 hours (or longer) for each step of the progression. If any symptoms worsen during exercise, you should go back to the previous step. Please contact your physician or seek medical help immediately if symptoms worsen, not resolving or return after symptoms have resolved. If symptoms are persistent, the athlete should be referred to a healthcare professional who is an expert in the management of concussions.
You should not go back to sport until you have been cleared to do so by a doctor.
Information above has been adapted with permission from Parachute Canada.