Sports-Specific Return to Play Protocols

Sports-Specific "Return to Play" protocols for pediatric through young adult ages - by Karen L. Laugel, MD This is a clinical manual for physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other clinicians taking care of patients aged 5-22 years recovering from concussion injuries. Twenty six detailed sports-specific return-to-play protocols are included, and one general activities protocol. Each protocol details the five phases of graduated exercise consistent with International Conference on Concussion in Sport guidelines, and expanded to include aerobic, core/balance/strength, change of plane, and head rotation activities with sports-specific drills. The protocols can also be used for patients who are not ready to complete a 'return-to-play' progression but need an extended program of sub-symptom therapeutic exercise.