The full study can be read here.
Tell us more about yourself and the author team.
I’ve been a sports physiotherapist for 17 years, specializing in therapeutic exercise, particularly field rehabilitation. Currently, I am the Head of the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department at PAE OFI.
I extend my gratitude to the dedicated writing team, which comprises accomplished scientists, for their invaluable assistance in this research.
Mr. Kalliakmanis, a seasoned Sports Physician, has extensive experience working with major Greek football teams and specializes in knee-related issues. Mr. Kekelekis, a longstanding sports physiotherapist, also has an academic background. Mrs. Danassi, a Radiologist, brings years of expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.
Furthermore, Mr. Tsepis, a professor at the University of Patras, is a significant figure as the head of the postgraduate program “Therapeutic Exercise.” My mentor and overseeing professor, Mr. Fousekis, is a sports physiotherapist engaged in scholarly activities and serves as a professor and the president of the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Patras.
What is the story behind your study?
The existing gap in addressing the injuries of professional football players, specifically in the transition from treatment and gym rehabilitation to their return to team duties, prompted us to develop a comprehensive protocol for on-field rehabilitation. This protocol, which we had been employing at an elevated level for several years before this research, has consistently yielded excellent results.
In your own words, what did you find?
An on-field rehabilitation protocol was devised to address musculoskeletal injuries in the lower extremity. The study revealed that irrespective of the severity or nature of the injury, football players following this protocol experienced an earlier return to team training with minimal subsequent injuries. Notably, the research highlighted that initiating on-field rehabilitation at the earliest opportunity significantly hastens the player’s return to team training.
What was the main challenge you faced in your study?
The primary challenge encountered during the investigation was managing the substantial number of participants and the extensive time required to execute all rehabilitation programs. This encompassed the entire process, from the initial injury to the football player’s eventual return to team training.
If there is one take-home message from your study, what would that be?
Initiate on-field rehabilitation as soon as possible during injury recovery.