Return to play following sports-related concussion

Abstract

Returning a concussed athlete to practice and competition is an ever-evolving concept that has received considerable scientific and public attention during the past 20 years. Whereas there is now more international consensus regarding return to play, the decision to do so is clinically based with scant objective measures to guide decision making. To encapsulate the return-to-play process, this chapter will give a historic overview of the graded progression process, outline how rest can be both beneficial and detrimental in recovery, and how exercise is emerging as a management tool.

Keywords: concussion; exercise; graded progression; return-to-play.