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- Talk
- 14/07/2021
- UK
Supporting the Elite Footballer to Return to Performance after Injury
Description
In this presentation, Matt Taberner expresses gratitude to the conference organizers and introduces a novel approach to aiding elite football players in their return to performance after injury. He discusses the disconnect between academic sports science and the practical challenges faced by practitioners in the elite football domain, emphasizing the importance of aligning research with real-world applications. Taberner highlights the complexities of decision-making in the context of injury management, stressing that return to sport should be viewed as a continuum that includes stages of participation, sport, and performance.
He shares insights derived from interviews with former elite male footballer Sylvain Distin and current female player Olivia Chance to convey six key messages reflecting player needs during recovery. The first message stresses the importance of trust between players and practitioners. The second message emphasizes staying connected and supportive during the rehabilitation process. Third, he notes that open communication is vital, as players seek clarity on their injury status and return timelines.
The presentation also addresses the complexity of decision-making in injury recovery, as players balance their desire to compete with their physical readiness. He advocates for a focus on objective data to guide practitioners in supporting players effectively. Moreover, Taberner urges that returned players be prepared to perform immediately upon resuming training, incorporating both physical and skill aspects into rehabilitation.
Finally, he underscores that returning to peak performance is a gradual process that requires time and a strong psychological element. Concluding, he hopes that his insights pave the way for further research and improved collaboration between players and practitioners, aiming for successful return-to-sport outcomes.