Muscat, SEPT 29
The Sports Science Forum, which brought together 100 medical professionals from national teams, sports clubs, military institutions and the Ministry of Health, concluded on Sunday. The forum took place at the Intercity Hotel in Al Khuwair from September 27 to 28, under the auspices of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth.
The forum focused on four key themes: orthopaedic surgery, physical therapy, sports nutrition and sports psychology. The importance of these disciplines in athlete care was highlighted through a series of panel discussions and presentations, addressing major challenges and innovative solutions for dealing with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The discussions included decision-making processes regarding ACL reconstruction and featured a guide and programme for physical therapy specific to these injuries. Additionally, the forum touched on post-surgery aspects, such as bio-mechanical performance analysis of the knee and the impact of surgery on joint stability.
The forum also addressed the psychological factors that precede and follow ACL surgery, with participants emphasising the significant role psychological support plays in the recovery process. Athletes receiving comprehensive psychological care tend to respond more quickly to rehabilitation programmes. In this context, the importance of proper nutrition, especially protein, was highlighted as a factor in accelerating post-surgery recovery, with studies showing that adequate protein intake helps strengthen injured muscles and reduces muscle mass loss during the recovery period.
The forum discussed how surgeons can make the optimal choice of ligament type based on the nature of the injury and the patient’s needs. Furthermore, the latest research on the bio-mechanical aspects of the knee and the effect of surgeries on joint stability was discussed, with experts pointing out that a thorough evaluation of each case increases the chances of surgical success and a quick return to track and field.
The forum aimed to enhance the efficiency of medical teams by presenting the latest scientific research and global expertise in ACL injuries, which are among the most common injuries in sports. According to statistics from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, 74 per cent of sports injuries over the past three years were related to the ACL, making this forum an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation between various medical and sports entities.
A group of doctors and experts participated in the sessions, presenting advanced treatment techniques, such as using physical therapy in ACL rehabilitation post-surgery, and providing treatment tailored to the needs of athletes. The discussions also covered factors influencing treatment choices, such as the timing of surgery and the type of ligament used, emphasising the importance of individualised decisions based on each athlete's condition to ensure the best treatment outcomes. Photos by Saleh al Sharji.
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