Simulation-Optimization to Distinguish Optimal Symptom Free Waiting Period for Return-to-Play Decisions in Sport-Related Concussion

Abstract

Approximately 1.6-3.8 million sport and recreation concussions occur annually. Yet, there is currently no universal agreement on when an athlete should be permitted to unrestricted play after being diagnosed with a concussion. Simulation-optimization provides a tractable method to optimize the length of the symptom-free waiting period (SFWP), i.e., the number of consecutive days after starting the return-to-play protocol that an athlete must be symptom-free