Tribune News Network
Doha
The Aspetar International Rehabilitation Conference, the first of its kind globally, kicked off in Doha on Saturday, focusing exclusively on the rehabilitation of cruciate ligament injuries in the knee. The conference has gathered more than 400 participants from 58 countries, establishing itself as a premier international platform for ACL rehabilitation.
Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari, CEO of Aspetar, welcomed participants in his opening address, emphasising the historic significance of the event in sports medicine. Al Kuwari said, "Today marks a historic moment in sports medicine as we bring together global experts to advance the understanding and treatment of cruciate ligament injuries. Aspetar is proud to lead the charge in shaping the future of ACL rehabilitation.”
Participants included a diverse range of professionals, including physiotherapists from prestigious Premier League clubs (Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Wolverhampton, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, West Bromwich and Birmingham City), experts from international football associations (Rangers FC, FC Zenit and KNVB), and healthcare professionals from the GCC, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas.
The first day covered various engaging sessions led by renowned professionals. Topics included the importance of symmetry in ACL injury assessment, strategies for strength and jump testing, running and change of direction analysis, and comprehensive clinical pearls. Presenters included experts like Chris Bishop (UK), Vasilis Sideris (Aspetar), Roula Kotsifaki (Aspetar), Benoit Pairot de Fontenay (France), Joao Marques (Aspetar), and others.
A significant highlight was the introduction of Clinical Practice Guidelines on Rehabilitation after ACL Reconstruction (ACLR). This resource, intended for physiotherapists managing patients post-ACLR, is set to be a crucial tool in outpatient clinics. The guidelines are relevant to physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, athletic trainers, nurse practitioners and other healthcare professionals involved in ACL rehabilitation.
The conference emphasised athlete experience, as stakeholders involved in ACL return-to-play decision-making shared their insights, providing a valuable perspective on guiding critical decisions in athletes’ rehabilitation journeys.
The agenda for the second day includes discussions on individualising athletic development after ACL reconstruction, key factors outside the gym in ACL rehabilitation, practical pearls, hot topics in ACL rehabilitation, and a panel discussion on Return to Play (RTP) decision-making.
Day 2 features a keynote address by Dr Andy Massy, FIFA director, addressing ‘The Aspetar ACL Way – How we guide an athlete through their journey from the operating table back to the top of their sport’. The day will also cover topics like explosive strength, reactive strength, running mechanics, change of direction/agility, and individualised reconditioning.
The Aspetar International Rehabilitation Conference serves not only as a forum for knowledge exchange but also as a nexus for international collaboration. Experts from around the world are coming together to shape the future of ACL rehabilitation, setting new standards for patient care and contributing to the advancement of sports medicine globally.