TableĀ 1

Graduated return to play protocol

Rehabilitation stageFunctional exercise at each stage of rehabilitationObjective of each stage
1. No activitySymptom limited physical and cognitive restRecovery
2. Light aerobic exerciseWalking, swimming or stationary cycling keeping intensity <70% maximum permitted heart rate
No resistance training
Increase HR
3. Sport-specific exerciseSkating drills in ice hockey, running drills in soccer. No head impact activitiesAdd movement
4. Non-contact training drillsProgression to more complex training drills, eg, passing drills in football and ice hockey
May start progressive resistance training
Exercise, coordination and cognitive load
5. Full-contact practiceFollowing medical clearance participate in normal training activitiesRestore confidence and assess functional skills by coaching staff
6. Return to playNormal game play