Abstract des Autors

Rehabilitation of athletes starts immediately with first aid on the athletic field and ends when the athlete can compete again. First aid consists of immobilization, cooling, compressing, elevation, and analgesics for the first 24 to 72 hours. Treatment continues with stimulating the process of repair, stimulating local circulation with heat, and preventing fibrosis with early passive and active mobilization. Isometric exercises are followed by isotonic and isokinetic exercises, gradually using the overload principle. Strength will be developed with high-intensity, low-repetition exercises and endurance with low-intensity, high-repetition exercises. Circumference, range of motion,muscle strength, and endurance should be tested and retested during the rehabilitation process. Both extremities should be exercised. When the affected extremity reaches normal strength, the athlete is ready to start specific athletic training and competition. To achieve this goal, we need a well-organized and equipped unit and a rehabilitation and conditioning team consisting of a physician, physical and occupational therapists, trainer, and coach. Verf.-Referat