MACE Return-to-Duty & Recovery Protocols

Question 1

What is the military progressive return-to-activity protocol after concussion?

Accepted Answer

A stepwise program progressing from rest through light activity, moderate exercise, full exertion, and return to duty, with minimum 24 hours at each stage

Answer

Immediate return to full duty

Answer

A single fitness test before returning to duty

Answer

Rest for 30 days with no evaluation

Question 2

What is the mandatory rest period after a diagnosed concussion in the US military?

Accepted Answer

A minimum 24-hour rest period with medical evaluation before beginning the return-to-duty progression

Answer

No rest period is required

Answer

48 hours of complete bed rest

Answer

Return to duty immediately after the MACE

Question 3

What criteria must be met before a concussed service member can return to full duty?

Accepted Answer

Symptom-free at rest and during exertion, normal MACE scores, normal neurological examination, and completion of the progressive return-to-activity protocol

Answer

Only the service member's desire to return

Answer

Passing a physical fitness test

Answer

One week of rest regardless of symptoms

Question 4

How does exertional testing factor into return-to-duty decisions?

Accepted Answer

Service members must demonstrate they can perform physical exertion without symptom recurrence before returning to full duty

Answer

Physical exertion is never tested

Answer

Only desk-duty positions require exertion testing

Answer

Exertional testing is optional

Question 5

What is the role of the unit leadership in concussion management?

Accepted Answer

Identifying potentially concussed service members, ensuring they receive medical evaluation, enforcing activity restrictions, and monitoring compliance with recovery protocols

Answer

Unit leaders have no role in medical decisions

Answer

Only medics handle concussions

Answer

Leaders should encourage rapid return to duty

Question 6

What activity restrictions apply to service members with diagnosed concussion?

Accepted Answer

No driving, no operating heavy equipment/weapons, no flying, limited screen time, adequate sleep, and reduced cognitive demands

Answer

No restrictions are necessary

Answer

Only combat is restricted

Answer

Only flying is restricted