An athlete who has been injured needs to progress across a continuum before being fully engaged once again.
Elements of Return to Sports continuum:
(1) return to participation
(2) return to sport
(3) return to performance
Parameters:
(1) able to be active (may be mix of rehabilitation, training and low level play)
(2) participation in defined sport
(3) performance at target level (at or above preinjury level)
Element
|
Active
|
Active in Defined Sport
|
Performing at Target Level
|
return to participation
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
return to sport
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
return to performance
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Other elements that can be added:
(4) disabled list
(5) reduction in participation
(6) removal from sport (typically for the protection of the athlete's health)