Rehabilitation Program for Elite Adolescent Athletes at the Academy for Sport Excellence

Background: Optimal rehabilitation of athletes following injuries and surgical procedures should include a multidisciplinary approach. Apart from specific injury rehabilitation, general fitness and training of other body parts and function can speed up rehabilitation, prevent detraining and support return to play.

Aims: To analyze effects of a rehabilitation program at the Academy for Sport Excellence for athletes who suffered moderate to severe injuries.

Methods: Epidemiologic data from the Academy for Sport Excellence Rehabilitation Program were collected and analyzed. Individual athletic ability for each participant was obtained after the completion of the program via a questionnaire administered to the coach and by estimation of training load and volume. These data were compared to pre-injury abilities.

Results: Between September 2014 and August 2015 thirty-eight athletes (with 39 injuries) were enrolled in the program (21% of Academy athletes). Main injuries were ankle sprains, shoulder dislocations, avulsion or surgery, shin splints (all girls) and stress fractures. Analysis of coach questionnaire outcomes indicated that nine of the athletes (24%) improved their abilities following rehabilitation from their pre-injury abilities.

Discussion: Our rehabilitation program was able to maintain and even to improve aerobic and professional specific fitness levels. Athletes returned to team training and competition with graded participation but without periods of inactivity and detraining.

Conclusions: A multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for injured athletes and post-surgery should be offered to any athlete in order to prevent detraining, maintain fitness and prevent further injuries.