Major recent advances have been made in kinesiology, biomechanics, bioenergetics, as well as biomedical engineering. Much knowledge, experience, and wisdom has been gained in better understanding and appreciation of holistic focus on mitigating sports injuries.
As shown below, as each and every sports athlete is an “individual” and there are “absolutely no shortcuts to success”, there must be both simultaneous and independent importance given to each of the critical elements in order to reduce risks and mitigate sports injuries.
As part of any Advanced Training, during the last 2-3 decades, based on the extensive work done by world-renowned experts, increased importance must be given to:
- Developing and building strength of various joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues
- Effectively mitigate acute / chronic fatigue (Metabollic, Neuro-Muscular, Central Nervous System)
- Incorporating plyometrics, resistance / weights, cross-training (bike / swim), dynamic / static stretching, skills / drills etc. as part of fitness, pre-season / season training and pre-competition
- Depending on specific competitive sports event and each individual athlete; maximum emphasis on commensurate Force (F) development, production, and application
Based on the above, a holistic focus can be developed over a period of time, subject to iterative analysis, to address vital problems / issues in reducing risks and mitigating sports injuries. This may include, but not limited to, following:
- Identifying the nature of injury
- Understanding the source of injury
- Developing course of corrective action for injury (may avoid / prevent surgery; last resort)
- Assessing impact and resources (time, energy, effort, etc.) required for corrective action
- Implementing corrective action for injury
- Next steps and path to full-competition
Finally, focus on prevention rather than just cure may help, in big way, reduce risks and mitigate sports injuries.