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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
Development of a conservative protocol to return children and youth to activity following concussive injury
Carol DeMatteo1, Kathy Stazyk2, Sheila K Singh3
1McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada dematteo@mcmaster.ca.
Insights
A new pediatric concussion protocol was developed for children and youth, addressing the lack of specific guidelines for this age group. This evidence-based approach aims to improve recovery and prevent further injury.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Existing concussion return-to-play guidelines are designed for adult athletes, not children.
- There is a critical need for specific concussion management protocols for pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop evidence-based materials and a protocol for physicians on pediatric concussion management.
- To create a knowledge translation resource for managing concussions in children and youth.
Main Methods:
- A pediatric concussion protocol was developed using procedures from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
- The protocol was informed by consensus-based research and pilot testing.
Main Results:
- The developed protocol guides the management of concussions in children and youth.
- Key themes included return to all activities (sport, school), the inappropriateness of adult protocols for children, and the need for a more conservative approach.
Conclusions:
- Implementation of this pediatric concussion protocol aids in preventing subsequent injuries during recovery.
- The protocol has the potential to facilitate recovery and prevent prolonged symptoms or secondary complications.
Background:
Consensus-based guidelines exist for adult athletes returning to play after concussion, but there are no protocols developed specifically for children. The goal of this knowledge translation research was to develop evidence-based materials to inform physicians about pediatric concussion.
Methods:
A pediatric concussion protocol was developed based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence procedures.
Results:
This return to activity protocol was developed to guide management when children/youth sustain a concussion. The protocol incorporated 3 main themes: (a) a protocol must include return to all activity, including sport and school; (b) existing consensus-based adult protocols are not appropriate for children; and (c) a more conservative protocol is needed. After pilot testing, the developed protocol is being used across Ontario.
Conclusion:
Implementation of these new pediatric recommendations is an important addition to prevention of subsequent concussions during vulnerable recovery periods, with potential to facilitate recovery by preventing prolonged symptomatology, and secondary sequelae.
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