Objective: To determine whether quantified, auditable records of functional rehabilitation can be generated using subjective assessments of players` performance in fitness tests routinely used in professional football. Method: Ten sequential test elements grouped into three phases (fitness, ball and match skills, match pace football) were used to monitor players` functional recovery from injury. Physiotherapists subjectively assessed players` performance in each test element using a six point subjective rating scale. Satisfactory performance in each element of the assessment programme added 10% to the injured player`s recovery score. Daily recovery scores for injured players were recorded against the time spent in functional rehabilitation. Results: Rehabilitation data for 118 injuries sustained by 55 players over two seasons were recorded. The average time in functional rehabilitation depended on the time spent in pre-functional rehabilitation and the nature and location of injury. Benchmark functional rehabilitation curves (y = mln(x) + c) were developed for thigh (n = 15) and lower leg (n = 8) muscle strains and knee (n = 7) and ankle (n = 9) ligament sprains (R2 = 0.95-0.98). Conclusions: A structured, quantified rehabilitation programme based on routine fitness and skills exercises and a graded subjective assessment of performance provides an auditable record of a player`s functional recovery from a range of lower limb injuries and a transparent exit point from rehabilitation. The proposed method provides a permanent record of the functional rehabilitation of players` injuries and evidence based data to support management`s return to play decisions.
© Copyright 2006 British Journal of Sports Medicine. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd of the BMA. All rights reserved.