What are the stages of the graduated return to activity and sport?

Question

Accepted Answer

The guidelines set out a six-stage Graduated Return to Activity and Sport (GRAS). Return to school or work comes before return to sport.

Stage	Daily life	Exercise
1. Relative rest (24-48 hours)	Minimise screen time; easy daily activities in 10-15 minute slots	Gentle walking
2. Daily activities	Easy reading, limited TV, games and phone use; some school work at home	Light activity, e.g. short walks
3. Build tolerance	Homework or reading in 20-30 minute blocks with breaks	Walking or exercise bike for 10-15 minutes, building up; body-weight exercises, no heavy weights
4. Back to school/work, non-contact training	Part-time return (e.g. half-days)	Sport training with no risk of head impact, once symptom-free at rest; harder exercise and resistance training
5. Full school/work, full training	Back to normal	Contact training, only when symptom-free at rest for 14 days (not before Day 15)
6. Return to competition		Not before Day 21

Moving between stages