Abstract
BackgroundDespite calf muscle strain injuries (CMSI) being problematic in many sports, there is a dearth of research to guide clinicians dealing with these injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current practices and perspectives of a select group of international experts regarding the assessment, management and prevention of CMSI using in-depth semi-structured interviews.ResultsTwenty expert clinicians working in elite sport and/or clinician-researchers specialising in the field completed interviews. A number of key points emerged from the interviews. Characteristics of CMSI were considered unique compared to other muscle strains. Rigor in the clinical approach clarifies the diagnosis, whereas ongoing monitoring of calf capacity and responses to loading exposure provides the most accurate estimate of prognosis. Athlete intrinsic characteristics, injury factors and sport demands shaped rehabilitation across six management phases, which were guided by key principles to optimise performance at return to play (RTP) while avoiding subsequent injury or recurrence. To prevent CMSI, periodic monitoring is common, but practices vary and data are collected to inform load-management and exercise selection rather than predict future CMSI. A universal injury prevention program for CMSI may not exist. Instead, individualised strategies should reflect athlete intrinsic characteristics and sport demands.ConclusionsInformation provided by experts enabled a recommended approach to clinically evaluate CMSI to be outlined, highlighting the injury characteristics considered most important for diagnosis and prognosis. Principles for optimal management after CMSI were also identified, which involved a systematic approach to rehabilitation and the RTP decision. Although CMSI were reportedly difficult to prevent, on- and off-field strategies were implemented by experts to mitigate risk, particularly in susceptible athletes.
Highlights
Calf muscle strain injuries (CMSI) are prevalent in elite sports [1, 2] and contribute to the negative impact that any injury can have on team success [3,4,5]
While these areas form the foundation of prevention models, they represent only some of the areas to consider in injury causation and management [14,15,16,17]
The participants collectively offered a range of expertise, including injury prevention, rehabilitation, clinical reasoning/return to play (RTP) decision-making, radiology and biomechanics
Summary
Calf muscle strain injuries (CMSI) are prevalent in elite sports [1, 2] and contribute to the negative impact that any injury can have on team success [3,4,5]. Despite CMSI being problematic in many sports, there is a dearth of research to guide clinicians regarding best practice for the assessment, management and prevention of these injuries [11]. Research into epidemiology and risk factors of CMSI has been the major focus for decades [1, 2, 12, 13] While these areas form the foundation of prevention models, they represent only some of the areas to consider in injury causation and management [14,15,16,17]. Despite calf muscle strain injuries (CMSI) being problematic in many sports, there is a dearth of research to guide clinicians dealing with these injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current practices and perspectives of a select group of international experts regarding the assessment, management and prevention of CMSI using in-depth semi-structured interviews
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
