About this Research Topic

Background

Athletic physical therapy is essential in enhancing athlete performance and well-being, necessitating a comprehensive approach that encompasses assessment, prevention, and treatment. This approach is essential for athletes across the spectrum, addressing the diverse challenges they may face. Through effective assessment techniques, such as functional movement screenings and analysis of biomechanical and physiological factors, therapists gain valuable insights into an athlete’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Injury prevention programs, including strength and conditioning, proprioceptive training, and educational initiatives, aim to reduce the incidence of sports-related injuries and improve performance. Furthermore, evidence-based treatment approaches, such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, modalities, and nutritional modifications facilitate recovery and safe return to sport. By combining these strategies, physical therapists can develop individualized plans that address the unique needs of each athlete, ultimately enhancing their performance and promoting lifelong physical activity.

Physical therapists are experts in exercise metabolism, training adaptations, biomechanics, and exercise prescription, making them vital for ensuring athletes achieve optimal performance. Therefore, this Research Topic aims to shed light on novel and comprehensive studies encompassing the multifaceted roles and strategies employed by physical therapists in the athletic setting. It seeks to investigate innovative techniques and approaches across the entire spectrum of care, ranging from initial assessment and injury prevention to treatment and rehabilitation. This Research Topic solicits studies that delve into advanced assessment methods, such as body composition analysis, physiological parameter evaluations, strength and conditioning assessments, and biomechanical analyses. Additionally, it encourages investigations into effective injury prevention strategies, including training program evaluation and modification, as well as the identification and mitigation of risk factors. Furthermore, the Topic welcomes studies on cutting-edge treatment and rehabilitation protocols, exercise prescription, and athlete education on recovery strategies. The overarching goal is to promote a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to athletic physical therapy, fostering optimal performance, minimizing injury risk, and enhancing the overall well-being of athletes. Through these diverse investigations, the Research Topic aims to advance evidence-based care for athletes, supporting their success and longevity in sports.

We welcome original papers, reviews, and case reports analyzing the following topics:
- Physiological and biomechanical assessment of athletes across different sports.
- Injury prevention strategies in physical therapy for athletic populations.
- Physical therapy treatment and rehabilitation protocols for sports-related injuries.
- Impact of hormonal fluctuations on athletic performance and injury risk.
- Physical therapy strategies for optimizing performance and reducing injury risk based on individual factors.
- Physical therapy strategies for the prevention and management of conditions affecting athlete health.
- Physical therapy assessment and treatment strategies for pelvic floor function in athletes.
- Training modifications for athletes during specific life stages or circumstances.
- Novel technologies for physical therapy assessment or rehabilitation of athletes.
- Tele-rehabilitation for athletes.

Keywords: Athletic Physical Therapy, Total Care, Assessment, Prevention, Treatment, Performance Enhancement, Evidence-based Practice

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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