Prehabilitation in Sport

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Introduction[edit | edit source]

Prehabilitation is a concept employed by sports physiotherapists around the world with one simple goal : To prevent injuries.

It is a form of personalized risk assessment and exercise protocols designed to train the athlete to their maximum potential while reducing the chances of any unwanted injuries which could potentially cost them their career span. The success of the prehab program depends on the athlete's commitment as well as the physiotherapist's ability to gradually implement the protocol, keeping in mind that periodic evaluation is key to reformulate the program as the athlete's needs evolve with consistent training[1].

According to Meir et al (2007) "Prehabilitation should not to be confused with rehabilitation, where the objective is to facilitate the recovery of the injured athlete. Nor should it be confused with preconditioning, which is a term used to describe the process of preparing the body for more complex and sport-specific activities." [2]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Quinn E. Athletes Can Avoid Many Sports Injuries With Prehabilitation [Internet]. Verywell Fit. Verywellfit; [cited 2019Mar1]. Available from: https://www.verywellfit.com/prehab-to-avoid-rehab-3119272
  2. Meir R, Diesel W, Archer E. Developing a Prehabilitation Programme in a Collision Sport: A Model Developed within English Premiership Rugby Union Football. NSCA 2007, 29;3 p.50–62