Return to Play Following Exertional Heat Stroke
The following is the protocol for return to play following heat stroke:
- When cleared for activity by a licensed physician, begin exercise in a cool environment and gradually increase the duration, intensity, and heat exposure for 2 weeks
- Refrain from exercise for at least 7 days following the acute event.
- If return to activity is difficult, consider a laboratory exercise-heat tolerance test about one month post incident.
- Follow up in about 1 week for physical exam by licensed physician (MD, DO)
3. When cleared for activity by a licensed physician, begin exercise in a cool environment and gradually increase the duration, intensity, and heat exposure for 2 weeks
- Athlete may be cleared for full competition if heat tolerance exists after 2 – 4 weeks of training.