Table 1.

Gradual return to play protocol ^{a , b}

Stage	Period	Maximum Duration	Activity
1	Day 1-2	15 minutes	Light activity, walking, easy exercise bike (<70% HR max)
2	Day 3	30 minutes	Above, plus simple movement drills, may consider jogging (<80% HR max); no resistance training
3	Day 4	45 minutes	Add more complex training (<80% HR max), including light resistance training
4	Day 5-6	60 minutes	Resume normal training activities (<80% HR max)
5	Day 7	As tolerated	Full participation in usual activities at usual intensity, including competition

HR, heart rate.

^aAdapted from Elliott et al. ²³

^bProgressions listed are suggested minimums—stages may and likely should be extended depending on patient tolerance.