Protocol for the Assessment and Treatment of Athletes at Aspetar Athlete: any sportsperson belonging to a Club and/or Federation.

The purpose of this protocol is to define a multi-disciplinary assessment and treatment procedure for injured athletes. AIM: Prevention of possible future injury through a thorough multi-disciplinary assessment, identification and correction of any abnormalities. Improvement of the athletes fitness level, strength, flexibility, agility, balance and co-ordination to improve their athletic performance to their maximum potential. Day 1 The patient will be assessed by a medical doctor and will receive a diagnosis of their injury. The patient will be referred to the physiotherapy department by the medical doctor with a diagnosis. The physiotherapist will carry out a subjective and objective assessment for the specific injury. The physiotherapist will then carry out a screening assessment of the rest of the body, focusing on major muscle groups (strength and flexibility), related to the specific sport of the athlete. Muscle strength testing of the Quadriceps and Hamstrings (adductor muscle group testing is encouraged at the discretion of the therapist) will be assessed using Biodex in isokinetic mode (concentric and eccentric) at medium and high speed. Repetitions to be discussed. Volleyball/handball players will undergo shoulder group muscle testing. Lower limb muscle flexibility tests will be performed for: (method to be discussed) 1. Hamstrings 2. Quadriceps 3. Calf muscles 4. Adductors 5. Abductors 6. Extensors Following this assessment the physiotherapist will refer the athlete to the Sports Science Department for fitness testing, including VO2 max. This assessment will be carried out as soon as possible, depending on the availability of the sports science department. The athlete will then be referred to the podiatrist for assessment and gait analysis. The athlete will then be assessed by the dietician to identify their BMI and other specific measurements.

The athlete should then be referred to the physical coaches for a specific assessment. If time allows the patient will begin relevant treatment for their injury.

Day 2 Treatment will commence for the athletes injury if it was not possible to commence on Day 1 due to time constraints. Treatment should begin to correct any identified abnormalities detected through the multi-disciplinary assessment. Re-Evaluation This should occur throughout treatment at the discretion of the therapist. Prior to discharge the athlete must receive a final assessment of the injury and any other abnormalities which were detected on the initial screening assessment. The patient will be discharged from physiotherapy when their injury has been treated successfully. On discharge the athlete will receive recommendation to attend follow up appointments at the relevant department/s for further treatment in the correction of identified abnormalities.