Home
What is concussion?
Signs and Symptoms
Managing concussions
Students Parents/caregivers Teachers/School Staff Coaches Sport In the first 48 hours Recovery process (after 48 hours)
FAQs
Resources
Framework to manage concussion in schools
What's New
Women's health and neuroscience research programme recruiting participants AUT grad on being smart about concussion in sports How concussion anxiety led Tom Robinson to quit rugby Study brings call for greater care around concussions
About
Contact
Sitemap
Privacy

Headsmart Schools NZ

Home
What is concussion?
Signs and Symptoms
Managing concussions
Students Parents/caregivers Teachers/School Staff Coaches Sport In the first 48 hours Recovery process (after 48 hours)
FAQs
Resources
Framework to manage concussion in schools
What's New
Women's health and neuroscience research programme recruiting participants AUT grad on being smart about concussion in sports How concussion anxiety led Tom Robinson to quit rugby Study brings call for greater care around concussions
About
Contact
Home
Managing concussions
Coaches

I'm a coach

Gradual Return to Activity and Sport Process

Return to physical activity plans may start within 48 hrs at a symptom guided level that is appropriate for the individual.

Some sport codes (such as rugby) may require medical clearance from a GP before returning to contact sport. It is important that Return to Play Plans are shared across codes to ensure sport specific Return to Play processes are adhered to.

A graded, progressive return to physical activity/exercise plan should be planned and overseen by the sports coordinator or physical education teacher, or by a physiotherapist or Concussion Service.

Below is a recommended guide to return to physical activity and sport.

Stage 1

Days 1 and 2

Relative for 24-48 hours. Light activities around the house that do not provoke symptoms are OK.

·       Minimise screen time.

·       Walking around the house.

Stage 2

Minimum of 24 hours between stages before progressing.

Symptoms should be progressively improving.

If symptoms worsen, drop back a stage.

Gradually introduce daily activities:

Activities away from school/work (introduce TV, increase reading, games, etc).

Exercise – light physical activity (e.g. short walks outside).

Stage 3

Increase tolerance for mental & exercise activities:

Increase study/work-related activities with rest periods.

Increase intensity of exercise, guided by symptoms.

Stage 4

Return to work/study & sport training:

Part-time return to work/education.

Start training activity without risk of head impact.

Stage 5

Earliest Day 14

Return to normal work/study & sport training:

Completion of Stages 1-4 AND

Fully reintegrated into work or school AND

Symptom free

AND at least 14 days post-injury: re-integration into full sport-specific training can occur

Stage 6

Earliest Day 21

Return to sports competition

Completion of Stage 5 AND

Symptom free during sports training

AND At least 21 days post-injury

AND whilst not mandated, it is strongly recommended for the student to have received clearance from a health practitioner experienced in concussion management.