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LOGINBack in the Game: A Criteria-Driven RTS Path
Return to performance pathways evolve as clinicians rethink and interpret existing protocols to meet their environments. Kelly MacKenzie discusses a criteria-driven return to sports pathway that can be adapted for all athletes, irrespective of their sport and level
Inter Miami CF defender Ian Fray leaves the pitch with an injury during the second half against Atlanta United in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Image
An effective, user-friendly, cost-efficient, and reproducible return to play protocol is crucial for athletes across all sports and skill levels to ensure they regain or surpass their previous performance while reducing re-injury risk. While extensive research has been conducted in recent years, much of it focuses on performance rather than on providing optimal support for the athlete.
Andrew Mitchell, a sports physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach with extensive experience working with professional athletes and English Premier League teams, recently discussed a new protocol from his latest paper on the JOSPT podcast. The protocol expands the control chaos continuum by creating an 11-phase framework with clear progressions and objective criteria to guide decision-making at each stage(1).
The new protocol is user-friendly and allows different individuals to handle separate phases. The objective, data-driven, step-by-step approach should improve athlete engagement and compliance. Apps and self-measured testing make it unnecessary to invest in costly tools. Key terms in the protocol further break down return to play into four phases, providing clear expectations for all involved: return to running, return to training, return to play/practice, and return to performance(1).
“Clinicians must use precise terminology and effectively communicate the criteria…”
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