Return to Sport
Using ProAct’s Concussion Action Plan (CAP), an athlete can return to sport safely and quickly. Our recommended care providers will perform a full medical screen, including a computerized in-office injury test (to compare with your baseline testing results) and exertion testing if needed. This process is performed to ensure the brain has fully recovered before returning to learning and sport.
Return to Sport Guidelines
California Law requires youth athletic organizations to prepare and protect their athletes. Using ProAct's Concussion Action Plan (CAP), athletes and their families can find local Concussion Injury Specialists to examine and treat suspected injuries.
Typical timeline if exertion testing is required by a healthcare professional following a concussion:
Days 1-2:
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Day 6:
Day 7:
Observation without physical activity
Mild physical activity
Moderate physical activity
Strenuous physical activity
Full contact practice game
Full contact regular competitive game
Timelines can vary greatly depending on injury and history. Actual progression of exertion testing can only be determined by your healthcare provider and involves a gradual increase in physical effort, including sports-specific activities while monitoring vital signs and symptoms. If symptoms occur the testing should be stopped. If the symptoms are resolved the next day, the exertion testing will resume. Concussion symptoms should be completely gone before returning to competition.