Athletes should avoid total rest after mild concussion, say experts

Advice that light activity in first 24-48 hours after injury can help recovery contradicts recent UK guidance

Athletes who have experienced a mild concussion should avoid total rest and resume light physical and mental activities to aid their recovery, according to a consensus statement issued by more than 100 international researchers and clinicians.

The statement, which took more than five years to complete and was informed by 10 systematic reviews of concussion-related evidence, updates previous guidance to avoid all physical activity until symptoms are completely resolved. It contradicts recent UK guidance to avoid contact sport for 21 days after sustaining a concussion and avoid any form of training for 14 days.