Once an athlete no longer has signs, symptoms, or behaviors of a concussion and is cleared to return to
activity by a health-care professional, he or she should proceed in a step-wise fashion to allow the brain tore-adjust to exercise. In most cases, the athlete will progress one step each day. The return to activity program
schedule may proceed as below following medical clearance:
Progressive Physical Activity Program
Step 1: Light aerobic exercise- 5 to 10 minutes on an exercise bike or light jog; no weight lifting,
resistance training, or any other exercises.
Step 2: Moderate aerobic exercise- 15 to 20 minutes of running at moderate intensity in the gym or
on the field without a helmet or other equipment.
Step 3: Non-contact training drills in full uniform. May begin weight lifting, resistance training,
and other exercises.
Step 4: Full contact practice or training.
Step 5: Full game play.
If symptoms of a concussion re-occur, or if concussion signs and/or behaviors
are observed at any time during the return to activity program, the athlete must
discontinue all activity and be re-evaluated by their health care provider.
Concussion Disclaimer
Concussions are one of the most commonly reported injuries in children or adolescents who participate in sports. A concussion is a disturbance in brain function caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. A concussion may occur even without loss of consciousness. It may cause temporarily confusion, disorientation, or memory loss. It is a short-lived impairment of brain function that gets better by itself. The treatment for a concussion is physical AND cognitive rest. The risk of catastrophic injuries or death is possible when a concussion is not properly evaluated and managed.
It is now a State of Vermont law that all coaches receive training on how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion or other head injury. Any athlete suspected of having a concussion must be removed from participation and further evaluated. A coach shall not allow an athlete to participate if the athlete has been removed or prohibited from participating due to symptoms of a concussion until the athlete has been examined and received written permission to return to participation from a licensed health care provider (Physician, Athletic Trainer, Nurse Practitioner, Physicians Assistant) trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. BHS Sports Medicine has the final decision as to when an athlete may return to participation.
For more information you can go to https://nfhslearn.com/courses/61151/concussion-in-sports