Strict rest ‘not beneficial’ after concussion: updated guidance
The global consensus statement added there was a 'potential association' between head knocks and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
New guidance for sport-related concussion says light physical activity with reduced screen time is better than ‘strict rest’ for early management.
The global Concussion in Sport Group said last week that strict rest was “not beneficial” for athletes with concussion, according to the latest evidence.
Instead, its sixth consensus statement on concussion advised returning to light physical activity — routine daily activities, walking or exercise bike use — in the first 24-48 hours.
If patients experienced “more than a mild and brief exacerbation” of their symptoms, they should cease physical activity and ‘cognitive exertion’ until their symptoms returned to “the prior level”, it said.
