Active Rehabilitation and Return to Play in Sports-Related Concussion

Sport-related concussion affects approximately 1.6 to 3.8 million athletes annually in the United States. Management has evolved from historical practices of strict cognitive and physical rest to evidence-based approaches emphasizing early, individualized, active rehabilitation. Most adults recover within approximately 14 days, while children and adolescents may require up to 4 weeks, with initial symptom burden representing the strongest predictor of recovery duration. Early, progressive aerobic activity initiated within 24 to 72 hours postinjury accelerates recovery compared to prolonged rest.