Keep kids away from competition for three weeks post-concussion: new guidance
Dr Sarah Kleinman says it recognises that an injury to the brain takes 'time to settle'.
Children and teenagers with concussion should be symptom-free for at least 21 days before returning to competition, according to new guidance with the tagline, ‘If in doubt, sit them out.’
The 2024 position statement, developed by the Australian Institute of Sport, also recommends junior athletes can resume light exercise after 24-48 hours ‘relative rest’ from cognitive and physical activities.
Dr Sarah Kleinman, a Queensland GP registrar in the rugby league heartland of Townsville, said the document provided “clear and concise” advice and return-to-play decision trees with evidence-based wait times.
“It’s great that they have emphasised that kids can still return to some light exercise at 48 hours,” she told AusDoc.
