Navigating sport

In sport, two interacting adaptive systems (i.e., teams) interfere with the others’ effectiveness in scoring points. This contributes to the evolution of the larger system (i.e., game) over time. 

Sport injury occurs when then these systems fails. Reacting to an opponent’s unanticipated cut. A ball taking a bad bounce. Planting, pivoting, or landing while distracted or off-balance.

Ultimately, the motor options available to individual athletes are dependent upon the dynamics of the environment, task, and organism. All of which influence how the task is able to be completed. Suggesting that the presence of a biomechanical fault can singularly determine an athlete’s injury risk is implausible as this fails to account for these interpersonal dynamics. Likewise, when address only strength, range of motion, and biomechanics during rehabilitation is inadequate for return to play.

Behavior of the individual is dependent upon the environment. Interpersonal dynamics need to be considered in ACL injury and recovery.

Rehabilitation to Performance continuum must incorporate reinductions to sport. So how can we take this into account?

Clinical tip: Patients need to re-learn how to coordinate action with the complex movement of other players. Think: agility tasks with unanticipated change of directions, or physical obstruction.