The Center of Excellence for Food, Tourism & Leisure (CoEFTL) is proud to announce the participation of Loudovikos-Dimitrios Liossis at the II International Congress on Reconditioning and Prevention of Football Injuries that took place in April 18-19, 2024. The aim of this conference was to offer high-quality training to physical trainers and physiotherapists in the domain of reconditioning and injury prevention in soccer. In a presentation titled “Incorporation of Objective and Subjective Autoregulation Strategies in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention Resistance Training Protocols“, Mr. Liossis, a current PhD candidate, explored innovative approaches to preventing ACL injuries in soccer players.
Strength and conditioning coaches play a pivotal role in safeguarding athletes from injuries, making them the first line of defense in sports. However, the implementation of evidence-based injury prevention strategies requires a deep understanding of scientific principles and their practical application in real-life scenarios.
Mr. Liossis emphasizes three key areas for effective ACL injury prevention in soccer:
- Neuromuscular Training: Implementing programs that enhance lower-body strength and coordination.
- Educational Programs: Developing and delivering educational courses to equip coaches and athletes with essential knowledge on ACL injury prevention principles.
- Supportive Policies: Enacting policies within sporting federations that facilitate the implementation of effective neuromuscular training programs.
The presentation introduces the potential of combining Velocity Based Training (VBT) and the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) or Repetitions in Reserve (RIR) for personalized resistance training load monitoring. This approach has the potential to provide coaches with a highly effective and efficient strategy for improving athletes’ strength, power, speed, and change of direction skills, ultimately contributing to ACL injury prevention. While VBT and RPE/RIR have been used in training, Mr. Liossis’ presentation advocates for their specific application in ACL injury prevention protocols, creating training interventions that can be seamlessly implemented in real-life training scenarios for soccer players.
By focusing on evidence-based practices, personalized training, and innovative monitoring techniques, Mr. Liossis’ work holds promise for significantly reducing the risk of ACL injuries among soccer players, promoting athlete safety and optimal performance. Prioritizing athlete safety and well-being allows organizations to foster a culture of excellence that transcends competitive boundaries and promotes long-term athletic success.
CoEFTL remains committed to advancing research and knowledge sharing in the field of sports science, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for athletes of all levels.
