Return to Play After Exertional Rhabdomyolysis

To outline a 4-phase progressive program that safely and successfully enabled athletes to return to sport without recurrence of exertional rhabdomyolysis symptoms.

In January 2011, a large cluster of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football athletes were evaluated and treated for exertional rhabdomyolysis. After the athletes were treated, the athletic trainers and sports medicine providers were challenged to develop a safe return-to-play program because of the lack of specific reports in the medical literature to direct such activities.

A progressive 4-phase program based on existing recommendations, including guidelines for continued clinical and laboratory monitoring.

Although the actual process of reintegrating players will differ based on each athlete's unique circumstances, this program provides a safe and effective foundation that can be modified based on the response to activity and sport.