Injury Prevention in Youth Football Players

Injury Prevention in Youth Football Players PDF Author: Hanna Lindblom
Publisher: Linköping University Electronic Press
ISBN: 9176850196
Category :
Languages : sv
Pages : 114

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Book Description
Background With 17–35% of all 14-year-olds in Sweden being active in football, injuries do occur, most frequently during match play. Based on knowledge of injury mechanisms and risk factors, different injury prevention exercise programmes (IPEPs) have been developed. In this thesis, the Swedish IPEP Knee Control was used as a model for injury preventive training. Aim The overall aim of this thesis was to improve our understanding of the effects of the Knee Control injury prevention exercise programme on sports performance and jump-landing technique, as well as exploring programme implementation and coach experiences of using the programme in youth football. Methods Studies I and IV were cluster-randomised trials focusing on the performance effects of Knee Control. Study I included four teams with 41 female youth football players (mean age 14). The intervention group used Knee Control twice weekly for 11 weeks, whereas the control group teams did their usual training. Knee Control includes six different exercises at four levels of difficulty and with partner exercises and is meant to be used during warm-up at every training session. Performance was tested using a battery of balance, agility, jump and sprint tests at baseline and follow-up at an indoor venue. Study IV had a similar set-up but included two different interventions: Knee Control and a new, further-developed version of the programme, Knee Control+, which were studied during an eight-week intervention involving eight youth football teams, four male, four female (mean age 14), with 77 players. Similar, but not identical, performance tests were used in Study IV, along with drop vertical jumps and tuck jump assessment to assess jump-landing technique. Studies II and III focused on the implementation context. Study II was questionnaire based, using the RE-AIM framework covering the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance of Knee Control. Coaches for female youth teams (n=352), one representative of the national football association and representatives of eight district football associations responded to web-based questionnaires. Data collection was performed two years after the nation-wide implementation of Knee Control started. Study III was a qualitative study that followed up on the results of Study II. Interviews were conducted with 20 coaches for female football teams and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The interviews focused on factors that affected the adoption and use of Knee Control. All 20 coaches had experience of Knee Control. Results Limited positive effects were seen on jump-landing technique in girls, with the total tuck jump assessment score improving, as well as two separate criteria, the number of jumps accomplished during the 10-second test and additionally an increased knee-flexion angle upon landing from a drop vertical jump. No improvements on the performance tests were found in either Study I or Study IV. Both studies, however, suffered from low player compliance with the IPEPs and as a result low training dosage. No major differences in results were seen between Knee Control and Knee Control+ in Study IV. Study II showed that 91% of the responding coaches were familiar with Knee Control, they perceived the programme to be effective, 74% had started to use it, and it was fairly well maintained over time. However, only one third of the coaches used the programme every week and few used the whole programme. There were no formal policies for programme implementation and use in the district football associations and clubs. Study III showed that the coach was vital for programme use but needed social support, buy-in from players, resources and a feasible programme to facilitate programme adoption and use. When facing challenges with Knee Control implementation and use, the coaches did their best to work around these obstacles; for example, by modifying the programme content or dosage. Conclusions In conclusion, limited positive effects on jump-landing technique were seen in girls, potentially affecting risk factors for injury positively. No clinically meaningful effects from Knee Control or Knee Control+ were seen on performance tests as measured in the studies in either boys or girls. This may be related to the low training dosage. The high programme reach, perceived effectiveness, adoption and fairly high maintenance of Knee Control were positive. The modifications of programme content and/or dosage were concerning but will hopefully decrease with a more user-friendly programme. Bakgrund I och med att 17–35% av alla 14-åringar i Sverige är aktiva inom fotboll så uppkommer en del skador, oftast i samband med matcher. Utifrån kunskap om skadesituationer och riskfaktorer för skador har olika skadeförebyggande träningsprogram utvecklats. I denna avhandling användes det svenska skadeförebyggande programmet Knäkontroll som modell för skadepreventiv träning. Syfte Det övergripande syftet var att öka förståelsen för effekterna av Knäkontroll på prestationsförmåga och hopp-landningsteknik, programmets implementering och tränarnas erfarenheter av att använda programmet inom svensk ungdomsfotboll. Metod Studie I och Studie IV var klusterrandomiserade studier som undersökte effekterna på prestationsförmågan av att träna Knäkontroll. Studie I inkluderade 41 flickfotbollsspelare (genomsnittsålder 14 år). Interventionsgruppen använde Knäkontroll två gånger per vecka i 11 veckor, medan kontrollgruppen tränade som vanligt. Knäkontroll involverar sex olika övningar på fyra svårighetsgrader och med tillhörande parövningar och ska användas vid uppvärmningen inför varje fotbollsträning. Prestationsförmågan testades inomhus med ett batteri av olika tester för balans, snabbhet, hopp- och sprintförmåga vid baslinje och uppföljning. Studie IV hade ett likartat upplägg men inkluderade två olika interventioner: Knäkontroll och en vidareutvecklad version av programmet, Knäkontroll+. Studien pågick åtta veckor i åtta fotbollslag (fyra pojk-, fyra flicklag) med 77 spelare (genomsnittsålder 14 år). Liknande test för prestationsförmåga användes som i studie I, men även drop vertical jumps och tuck jumps för att bedöma hopp-landningsteknik. Studie II och Studie III fokuserade på implementeringskontexten, det vill säga implementeringen av Knäkontroll ute i fotbollslag. Studie II var en enkätstudie som med hjälp av ramverket RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance) utvärderade implementeringen av Knäkontroll. Tränare för flickfotbollslag (n=352), en representant för Svenska Fotbollförbundet och representanter för åtta distriktsförbund besvarade de webbaserade enkäterna. Datainsamlingen gjordes två år efter att den nationella implementeringen av Knäkontroll startade. Studie III var en kvalitativ studie som fördjupade resultaten av Studie II. Intervjuer genomfördes med tjugo tränare för flick- och damfotbollslag och analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Intervjuerna fokuserade på faktorer som påverkade tränarnas upptag och användning av Knäkontroll. Alla tränare hade erfarenhet av Knäkontroll sedan tidigare. Resultat Begränsad positiv effekt sågs på hopp-landningsteknik bland flickorna i studie IV, med en förbättrad totalpoäng på tuck jumps, på två kriterier i tuck jump, ökat antal hopp under testets 10 sekunder samt en ökad knäflexionsvinkel vid landning från drop vertical jumps. Ingen förbättring av prestationsförmågan sågs i Studie I eller Studie IV. I båda studierna var spelarnas närvaro på fotbollsträningar låg, vilket även gav en låg träningsdos av Knäkontroll. Inga större skillnader i resultat sågs mellan Knäkontroll och Knäkontroll+ i Studie IV. Studie II visade att 91% av tränarna kände till Knäkontroll, att tränarna upplevde att programmet var effektivt, 74% hade också börjat använda programmet och användandet bibehölls också förhållandevis väl över tid. Däremot använde endast 1/3 av tränarna programmet varje vecka och få använde hela programmet. Det saknades riktlinjer för programmets implementering och användning inom distriktsförbund och klubbar. Studie III visade att tränaren var oumbärlig för programmets användning men behövde mer socialt stöd, intresse från spelarna och resurser utöver ett användarvänligt program för att underlätta det preventiva arbetet. När tränarna ställdes inför utmaningar gjorde de sitt bästa för att kringgå problemen, till exempel genom att modifiera programmets innehåll eller dosering, för att ändå kunna använda programmet. Konklusion Sammanfattningsvis sågs begränsade positiva effekter på hopplandningsteknik hos flickorna, vilket möjligen påverkar riskfaktorerna för skada positivt. Inga kliniskt meningsfulla effekter av Knäkontroll eller Knäkontroll+ sågs på prestationstesterna hos varken pojkar eller flickor. Detta kan vara relaterat till den låga träningsdosen. Knäkontrollprogrammets stora spridning, högt skattade effektivitet, höga upptag och förhållandevis goda bibehållande var positivt. De modifieringar av programmets innehåll och/eller dosering som sågs var oroväckande men kan förhoppningsvis minska av ett mer användarvänligt program.

Injury Prevention in Youth Football Players

Injury Prevention in Youth Football Players PDF Author: Hanna Lindblom
Publisher: Linköping University Electronic Press
ISBN: 9176850196
Category :
Languages : sv
Pages : 114

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Book Description
Background With 17–35% of all 14-year-olds in Sweden being active in football, injuries do occur, most frequently during match play. Based on knowledge of injury mechanisms and risk factors, different injury prevention exercise programmes (IPEPs) have been developed. In this thesis, the Swedish IPEP Knee Control was used as a model for injury preventive training. Aim The overall aim of this thesis was to improve our understanding of the effects of the Knee Control injury prevention exercise programme on sports performance and jump-landing technique, as well as exploring programme implementation and coach experiences of using the programme in youth football. Methods Studies I and IV were cluster-randomised trials focusing on the performance effects of Knee Control. Study I included four teams with 41 female youth football players (mean age 14). The intervention group used Knee Control twice weekly for 11 weeks, whereas the control group teams did their usual training. Knee Control includes six different exercises at four levels of difficulty and with partner exercises and is meant to be used during warm-up at every training session. Performance was tested using a battery of balance, agility, jump and sprint tests at baseline and follow-up at an indoor venue. Study IV had a similar set-up but included two different interventions: Knee Control and a new, further-developed version of the programme, Knee Control+, which were studied during an eight-week intervention involving eight youth football teams, four male, four female (mean age 14), with 77 players. Similar, but not identical, performance tests were used in Study IV, along with drop vertical jumps and tuck jump assessment to assess jump-landing technique. Studies II and III focused on the implementation context. Study II was questionnaire based, using the RE-AIM framework covering the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance of Knee Control. Coaches for female youth teams (n=352), one representative of the national football association and representatives of eight district football associations responded to web-based questionnaires. Data collection was performed two years after the nation-wide implementation of Knee Control started. Study III was a qualitative study that followed up on the results of Study II. Interviews were conducted with 20 coaches for female football teams and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The interviews focused on factors that affected the adoption and use of Knee Control. All 20 coaches had experience of Knee Control. Results Limited positive effects were seen on jump-landing technique in girls, with the total tuck jump assessment score improving, as well as two separate criteria, the number of jumps accomplished during the 10-second test and additionally an increased knee-flexion angle upon landing from a drop vertical jump. No improvements on the performance tests were found in either Study I or Study IV. Both studies, however, suffered from low player compliance with the IPEPs and as a result low training dosage. No major differences in results were seen between Knee Control and Knee Control+ in Study IV. Study II showed that 91% of the responding coaches were familiar with Knee Control, they perceived the programme to be effective, 74% had started to use it, and it was fairly well maintained over time. However, only one third of the coaches used the programme every week and few used the whole programme. There were no formal policies for programme implementation and use in the district football associations and clubs. Study III showed that the coach was vital for programme use but needed social support, buy-in from players, resources and a feasible programme to facilitate programme adoption and use. When facing challenges with Knee Control implementation and use, the coaches did their best to work around these obstacles; for example, by modifying the programme content or dosage. Conclusions In conclusion, limited positive effects on jump-landing technique were seen in girls, potentially affecting risk factors for injury positively. No clinically meaningful effects from Knee Control or Knee Control+ were seen on performance tests as measured in the studies in either boys or girls. This may be related to the low training dosage. The high programme reach, perceived effectiveness, adoption and fairly high maintenance of Knee Control were positive. The modifications of programme content and/or dosage were concerning but will hopefully decrease with a more user-friendly programme. Bakgrund I och med att 17–35% av alla 14-åringar i Sverige är aktiva inom fotboll så uppkommer en del skador, oftast i samband med matcher. Utifrån kunskap om skadesituationer och riskfaktorer för skador har olika skadeförebyggande träningsprogram utvecklats. I denna avhandling användes det svenska skadeförebyggande programmet Knäkontroll som modell för skadepreventiv träning. Syfte Det övergripande syftet var att öka förståelsen för effekterna av Knäkontroll på prestationsförmåga och hopp-landningsteknik, programmets implementering och tränarnas erfarenheter av att använda programmet inom svensk ungdomsfotboll. Metod Studie I och Studie IV var klusterrandomiserade studier som undersökte effekterna på prestationsförmågan av att träna Knäkontroll. Studie I inkluderade 41 flickfotbollsspelare (genomsnittsålder 14 år). Interventionsgruppen använde Knäkontroll två gånger per vecka i 11 veckor, medan kontrollgruppen tränade som vanligt. Knäkontroll involverar sex olika övningar på fyra svårighetsgrader och med tillhörande parövningar och ska användas vid uppvärmningen inför varje fotbollsträning. Prestationsförmågan testades inomhus med ett batteri av olika tester för balans, snabbhet, hopp- och sprintförmåga vid baslinje och uppföljning. Studie IV hade ett likartat upplägg men inkluderade två olika interventioner: Knäkontroll och en vidareutvecklad version av programmet, Knäkontroll+. Studien pågick åtta veckor i åtta fotbollslag (fyra pojk-, fyra flicklag) med 77 spelare (genomsnittsålder 14 år). Liknande test för prestationsförmåga användes som i studie I, men även drop vertical jumps och tuck jumps för att bedöma hopp-landningsteknik. Studie II och Studie III fokuserade på implementeringskontexten, det vill säga implementeringen av Knäkontroll ute i fotbollslag. Studie II var en enkätstudie som med hjälp av ramverket RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance) utvärderade implementeringen av Knäkontroll. Tränare för flickfotbollslag (n=352), en representant för Svenska Fotbollförbundet och representanter för åtta distriktsförbund besvarade de webbaserade enkäterna. Datainsamlingen gjordes två år efter att den nationella implementeringen av Knäkontroll startade. Studie III var en kvalitativ studie som fördjupade resultaten av Studie II. Intervjuer genomfördes med tjugo tränare för flick- och damfotbollslag och analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Intervjuerna fokuserade på faktorer som påverkade tränarnas upptag och användning av Knäkontroll. Alla tränare hade erfarenhet av Knäkontroll sedan tidigare. Resultat Begränsad positiv effekt sågs på hopp-landningsteknik bland flickorna i studie IV, med en förbättrad totalpoäng på tuck jumps, på två kriterier i tuck jump, ökat antal hopp under testets 10 sekunder samt en ökad knäflexionsvinkel vid landning från drop vertical jumps. Ingen förbättring av prestationsförmågan sågs i Studie I eller Studie IV. I båda studierna var spelarnas närvaro på fotbollsträningar låg, vilket även gav en låg träningsdos av Knäkontroll. Inga större skillnader i resultat sågs mellan Knäkontroll och Knäkontroll+ i Studie IV. Studie II visade att 91% av tränarna kände till Knäkontroll, att tränarna upplevde att programmet var effektivt, 74% hade också börjat använda programmet och användandet bibehölls också förhållandevis väl över tid. Däremot använde endast 1/3 av tränarna programmet varje vecka och få använde hela programmet. Det saknades riktlinjer för programmets implementering och användning inom distriktsförbund och klubbar. Studie III visade att tränaren var oumbärlig för programmets användning men behövde mer socialt stöd, intresse från spelarna och resurser utöver ett användarvänligt program för att underlätta det preventiva arbetet. När tränarna ställdes inför utmaningar gjorde de sitt bästa för att kringgå problemen, till exempel genom att modifiera programmets innehåll eller dosering, för att ändå kunna använda programmet. Konklusion Sammanfattningsvis sågs begränsade positiva effekter på hopplandningsteknik hos flickorna, vilket möjligen påverkar riskfaktorerna för skada positivt. Inga kliniskt meningsfulla effekter av Knäkontroll eller Knäkontroll+ sågs på prestationstesterna hos varken pojkar eller flickor. Detta kan vara relaterat till den låga träningsdosen. Knäkontrollprogrammets stora spridning, högt skattade effektivitet, höga upptag och förhållandevis goda bibehållande var positivt. De modifieringar av programmets innehåll och/eller dosering som sågs var oroväckande men kan förhoppningsvis minska av ett mer användarvänligt program.

Sports-Related Concussions in Youth

Sports-Related Concussions in Youth PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309288037
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 215

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Book Description
In the past decade, few subjects at the intersection of medicine and sports have generated as much public interest as sports-related concussions - especially among youth. Despite growing awareness of sports-related concussions and campaigns to educate athletes, coaches, physicians, and parents of young athletes about concussion recognition and management, confusion and controversy persist in many areas. Currently, diagnosis is based primarily on the symptoms reported by the individual rather than on objective diagnostic markers, and there is little empirical evidence for the optimal degree and duration of physical rest needed to promote recovery or the best timing and approach for returning to full physical activity. Sports-Related Concussions in Youth: Improving the Science, Changing the Culture reviews the science of sports-related concussions in youth from elementary school through young adulthood, as well as in military personnel and their dependents. This report recommends actions that can be taken by a range of audiences - including research funding agencies, legislatures, state and school superintendents and athletic directors, military organizations, and equipment manufacturers, as well as youth who participate in sports and their parents - to improve what is known about concussions and to reduce their occurrence. Sports-Related Concussions in Youth finds that while some studies provide useful information, much remains unknown about the extent of concussions in youth; how to diagnose, manage, and prevent concussions; and the short- and long-term consequences of concussions as well as repetitive head impacts that do not result in concussion symptoms. The culture of sports negatively influences athletes' self-reporting of concussion symptoms and their adherence to return-to-play guidance. Athletes, their teammates, and, in some cases, coaches and parents may not fully appreciate the health threats posed by concussions. Similarly, military recruits are immersed in a culture that includes devotion to duty and service before self, and the critical nature of concussions may often go unheeded. According to Sports-Related Concussions in Youth, if the youth sports community can adopt the belief that concussions are serious injuries and emphasize care for players with concussions until they are fully recovered, then the culture in which these athletes perform and compete will become much safer. Improving understanding of the extent, causes, effects, and prevention of sports-related concussions is vitally important for the health and well-being of youth athletes. The findings and recommendations in this report set a direction for research to reach this goal.

Soccer Injury Prevention and Treatment

Soccer Injury Prevention and Treatment PDF Author: John Gallucci, Jr.
Publisher: Demos Medical Publishing
ISBN: 1936303655
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
Written by the medical coordinator for Major League Soccer and experienced physical therapist who treats athletes of all ages and abilities, a comprehensive guide to the best training, strengthening, stretching, nutrition, and hydration regimens to prevent the most common soccer injuries as well as expert explanations and advice on how to treat injuries if they occur. Including universal health and fitness recommendations as well as advice targeted to specific age groups and levels of play, Soccer Injury Prevention and Treatment: A Guide to Optimal Performance for Players, Parents, and Coaches is an essential book for every player, parent, and coach.

That's Gotta Hurt

That's Gotta Hurt PDF Author: Dr. David Geier
Publisher: University Press of New England
ISBN: 1512600695
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 314

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Book Description
In That's Gotta Hurt, the orthopaedist David Geier shows how sports medicine has had a greater impact on the sports we watch and play than any technique or concept in coaching or training. Injuries among professional and college athletes have forced orthopaedic surgeons and other healthcare providers to develop new surgeries, treatments, rehabilitation techniques, and prevention strategies. In response to these injuries, sports themselves have radically changed their rules, mandated new equipment, and adopted new procedures to protect their players. Parents now openly question the safety of these sports for their children and look for ways to prevent the injuries they see among the pros. The influence that sports medicine has had in effecting those changes and improving both the performance and the health of the athletes has been remarkable. Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike. That's Gotta Hurt is a fascinating and important book for all athletes, coaches, and sports fans.

Soccernomics (2022 World Cup Edition)

Soccernomics (2022 World Cup Edition) PDF Author: Simon Kuper
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1645030180
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 310

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Book Description
Written with an economist's brain and a soccer writer's skill, Soccernomics applies high-powered analytical tools to everyday soccer topics Soccernomics is a revolutionary new way of looking at soccer that has helped to change the way the sport is played. This World Cup edition features ample new material, including a chapter on women’s soccer that makes a case for reparations, an analysis of the pandemic’s impact on soccer finances, and insights into the failed plan to create a European Super League. Soccernomics remains essential reading for anyone in search of a more strategic, systematic perspective on the game, answering the questions that most consume soccer fans.

Muscle Injuries in Sport Medicine

Muscle Injuries in Sport Medicine PDF Author: Gian Nicola Bisciotti
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 9535111981
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 336

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Book Description
Muscle tears are one of the most common pathologies in sport and one of the most frequent causes of sport activity suspension. The purpose of this book is to review the state of the art of the actual knowledge on muscle tears in athletes, in particular for what concern the biology of muscle healing, the conservative and surgical treatments and the preventive aspects. Therefore, this textbook can be a valid tool for all Sport Medicine practitioners such as physicians, physiotherapists and fitness coaches.

Any Given Monday

Any Given Monday PDF Author: James R. Andrews
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1451667108
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
From tennis elbow to severe trauma, Dr. James Andrews has treated countless sports injuries during his unparalleled medical career. An orthopedic surgeon, well known for performing Tommy John surgeries, and a consultant to some of the fiercest teams in college and professional sports, Dr. Andrews is the father of modern sports medicine and one of the most influential figures in the world of athletics. In Any Given Monday, he distills his practical wisdom and professional advice to combat a growing epidemic of injury among sports’ most vulnerable population: its young athletes. Every year more than 3.5 million children will require medical treatment for sports-related injuries, the majority of which are avoidable through proper training and awareness. Any Given Monday is Dr. Andrews’s sport-by-sport guide to injury prevention and treatment, written specifically for the parents, grandparents, and coaches of young athletes. From identifying eating disorders to preventing career-ending ACL tears and concussions, Any Given Monday is a compendium of practical advice for every major sport, including football, gymnastics, judo, basketball, tennis, baseball, cheerleading, wrestling, and more. This invaluable guide reveals how young athletes can maximize their talent and maintain a lifetime of health both on the field and off.

Sports Injury Research

Sports Injury Research PDF Author: Evert Verhagen
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199561621
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 260

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Book Description
This book is a comprehensive guide to the epidemiology and methodology involved in sports injury research, including detailed background on epidemiological methods employed in research on sports injuries and discussions on key methodological issues.

Basketball Sports Medicine and Science

Basketball Sports Medicine and Science PDF Author: Lior Laver
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3662610701
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 1018

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Book Description
This book is designed as a comprehensive educational resource not only for basketball medical caregivers and scientists but for all basketball personnel. Written by a multidisciplinary team of leading experts in their fields, it provides information and guidance on injury prevention, injury management, and rehabilitation for physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, rehabilitation specialists, conditioning trainers, and coaches. All commonly encountered injuries and a variety of situations and scenarios specific to basketball are covered with the aid of more than 200 color photos and illustrations. Basketball Sports Medicine and Science is published in collaboration with ESSKA and will represent a superb, comprehensive educational resource. It is further hoped that the book will serve as a link between the different disciplines and modalities involved in basketball care, creating a common language and improving communication within the team staff and environment.

Minimize Injury, Maximize Performance

Minimize Injury, Maximize Performance PDF Author: Dr. Tommy John
Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
ISBN: 0738235288
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 763

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Book Description
Dr. Tommy John's unique program: a diet, lifestyle, and movement plan (Rethink. Rebuild. Replenish. Recover) for injury- and performance-proofing young athletes in every sport Beginning as early as age 6 and continuing through the teenage years and on into their twenties, both male and female athletes are more at risk of serious injuries at younger ages than ever before. Dr. Tommy John, son of lefty pitcher Tommy John and also a sports performance and healing specialist, offers an invaluable diet, lifestyle, and movement plan (Rethink. Rebuild. Replenish. Recover) for injury- and performance-proofing young athletes in every sport. Dr. John explores the sudden rise of Tommy John surgeries being performed on young athletes today, as well as the many injuries--and the surgeries required to fix them--increasing at an alarming rate in baseball and all youth sports. Dr. John's book outlines the three top causes behind this "injury epidemic": The American lifestyle, the business of youth sports (from coaches to corporations), and the decisions we believe as parents are truly benefiting our children. Minimize Injury, Maximize Performance focuses on prevention, and also offers tips on how to tailor the advice for athletes coming back from an injury, with over 120 black and white photographs.