Understanding functional assessments for a safe return to sport
This presentation by Dr. Jacques Vallotton highlights the importance of functional assessments in evaluating fitness to return to sport. It explains the principles of movement analysis, growth-related imbalances, and the contribution of new technologies to personalized and dynamic assessments. The goal is to better guide patients in their return to physical activity.
Doctors
Topics
Treatments
Advice
- Dr Jacques Vallotton
- Introduction and patient context
- Evolution of bipedalism
- Growth and imbalances
- Functional hallux limitus
- Movement analysis
- Functional assessments
- Gait analysis
- Personalized rehabilitation
- Assess fitness before returning to sport
- Using gait analysis
- Adapting rehabilitation to growth
- Prevent functional imbalances
- Rely on reliable technological tools
Resumption of sport: legitimate questions, measured answers
Before running or resuming an activity, it is important to assess actual functional ability. Many adults no longer have the necessary technical benchmarks, hence the importance of a structured opinion and concrete advice.
The assessment directs you towards a progressive plan, to resume at the right time and at the right level, without increasing the pain.
Growth, imbalances and fragilities in adolescents
During growth, the body's landmarks change: feet, knees, and spine do not mature at the same rate. This period exposes you to overload pathologies if the sporting activity is not adapted.
Identifying imbalances allows you to adjust training and prevent injuries.
It is the functional assessments that will be most useful to us in providing precise advice to our patients.
Functional hallux limitus and overload
A functional hallux limitus lengthens the foot in a 'functional' way and shifts the center of gravity forward. Stress on the knee and spine increases, especially during dynamic phases.
Identifying this factor and correcting it helps to secure recovery and improve movement endurance.
Dynamic measurements: from the laboratory to inertial sensors
Inertial sensors enable gait and gesture analyses in real-life conditions, with precision close to that of specialized laboratories. They objectify progress and guide progression.
These data complement the clinical examination and refine decisions.
Useful tests and decision criteria
Balance, coordination, and video analysis of sports movements: targeted tests assess symmetry, stability, and quality of execution. The goal is to reduce the risk of recurrence and guide participants toward the right level of intensity.
Immersive tools and virtual reality offer real-life scenarios to validate acquired skills.
Test to be able to better understand and advise.
Shared decision and safe return
The decision to resume exercise is based on measures, realistic goals, and clear teaching. It is developed with the patient and the care team around a schedule and appropriate exercises.
The ambition: to find a sustainable, enjoyable practice that is compatible with joint health.
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