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

The military uses a graduated return-to-activity protocol similar to civilian sport concussion guidelines: symptom-limited rest, light aerobic exercise, sport-specific exercise, full-contact practice equivalent, and return to duty.

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

Department of Defense policy mandates a minimum 24-hour rest period after concussion diagnosis, during which the service member is restricted from duty, driving, and operating equipment, with medical monitoring.

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

Return to full duty requires: complete symptom resolution at rest and during progressive exertion, normalized cognitive testing, normal neurological exam, and successful completion of all stages of the graded activity protocol.

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

Exertional testing is critical because concussion symptoms often recur with physical and cognitive stress. Service members must tolerate progressively increasing activity levels without symptom exacerbation before returning to duty.

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

Commanders and NCOs play a critical role by recognizing concussive events, ensuring prompt medical evaluation, enforcing duty restrictions, providing modified duty assignments, and supporting the recovery process.

MACE - Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Practice Test

MACE - Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Practice Test

MACE Return-to-Duty & Recovery Protocols