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Strength and Power Training in Rehabilitation: Underpinning Principles and Practical Strategies to Return Athletes to High Performance

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Abstract

Injuries have a detrimental impact on team and individual athletic performance. Deficits in maximal strength, rate of force development (RFD), and reactive strength are commonly reported following several musculoskeletal injuries. This article first examines the available literature to identify common deficits in fundamental physical qualities following injury, specifically strength, rate of force development and reactive strength. Secondly, evidence-based strategies to target a resolution of these residual deficits will be discussed to reduce the risk of future injury. Examples to enhance practical application and training programmes have also been provided to show how these can be addressed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Smuoviti, Viale Giulio Cesare, 29, 24121, Bergamo, BG, Italy

    Luca Maestroni

  2. StudioErre, Via della Badia, 18, 25127, Brescia, BS, Italy

    Luca Maestroni

  3. Athlete Health and Performance Research Center, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar

    Paul Read

  4. London Sport Institute, School of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, Greenlands Lane, London, UK

    Chris Bishop & Anthony Turner

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  1. Luca Maestroni
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  2. Paul Read
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  3. Chris Bishop
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  4. Anthony Turner
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Correspondence to Luca Maestroni.

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Luca Maestroni, Paul Read, Chris Bishop and Anthony Turner declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Maestroni, L., Read, P., Bishop, C. et al. Strength and Power Training in Rehabilitation: Underpinning Principles and Practical Strategies to Return Athletes to High Performance. Sports Med 50, 239–252 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01195-6

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