If your child has already gone back to physical activity on their own, and has no symptoms, that's fine. They can continue as usual.
Children and teens have had mild COVID if they had:
When should they return to activity and sport?
How quickly should they return to active play and sport?
If your child has already gone back to physical activity on their own, and has no symptoms, that's fine. They can continue as usual.
Children and teens have had moderate COVID if they had:
When should they return to activity and sport?
How quickly should they return to active play and sport?
Children and teens have had severe COVID if they:
Read about multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) [1]
When should they return to activity and sport?
The paediatricians or specialists caring for your child in hospital should give clear instructions about when your child can return to physical activity and sport. Your child may need a specialist outpatient appointment to check they are well enough to return to activity and sport.
The following is a guide for children and teens who:
A return to physical activity will be different for different children. It's best it happens over at least a 7 day period. It may take longer for some children. Talk to your family doctor for more guidance. If you have a team coach, they may also be able to give you some guidance.
Before moving up a stage, make sure your child:
Stage 1 (2 days minimum)
15 minutes or less - light activity (walking, jogging, stationary bike) - intensity no greater than 70% of maximum heart rate. NO resistance training.
Stage 2 (1 day minimum)
30 minutes or less - add simple movement activities (such as running drills) - intensity no greater than 80% of maximum heart rate.
Stage 3 (1 day minimum)
45 minutes or less - progress to more complex training - intensity no greater than 80% maximum heart rate. May add light resistance training.
Stage 4 (2 days minimum)
60 minutes - normal training activity - intensity no greater than 80% maximum heart rate.
Stage 5
Return to full activity/participation (contests/competitions).
If your child gets any of the following during exercise, stop the exercise immediately and seek medical help:
If your child is struggling with a return to activity and sport, it's important to seek specific advice about the best way for your child to do this. This might be through your doctor, a physio or the coach.
Adapted for New Zealand from the American Academy of Pediatrics: COVID-19 interim guidance: Return to sports and physical activity [2]. [Version updated 24/03/2022]
This page last reviewed 14 June 2022.
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Links
[1] https://kidshealth.org.nz/covid-19-multisystem-inflammatory-syndrome-children-mis-c
[2] https://www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-interim-guidance-return-to-sports
[3] https://kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fkidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F2687