Lectures

Extends fundamental principles to the epidemiology and pathophysiology of upper respiratory tract infections in physically active individuals and competitive athletes, covering symptom characterization, cytokine-mediated acute phase responses, and the clinical relevance of infection foci.

Synthesises the preceding seven lectures into a framework for the *standardised evaluation of symptoms and signs* of both exercise-induced and infection-based immunological stress regulation — providing validated assessment instruments, diagnostic algorithms, and practical decision tools for clinical and field application.

Building on the immunological principles and return-to-sport frameworks introduced in the previous lectures, this session moves into applied practice. Using a structured case study approach, we will work through the Exercise Infection Recovery Questionnaire (EIRQ) — a clinical tool developed by Puta & Gabriel (2025) specifically designed to guide post-infection exercise decision-making. The case study integrates evidence from current return-to-sport recommendations after non-severe COVID-19 (Haunhorst et al., 2023), the graduated return-to-play protocol by Elliott et al. (2020), and the composite symptom severity scoring approach validated by Diaz et al. (2025). By the end of this session, you should be able to apply the EIRQ systematically, interpret symptom severity profiles, and translate immunological recovery indicators into evidence-informed training recommendations.

Evidence supports a criterion‑based, phased ACL reconstruction rehabilitation model emphasizing early restoration of motion and quadriceps activation, progressive strength and neuromuscular training in mid‑phase, and graded sport‑specific/plyometric exposure with objective return‑to‑sport criteria and secondary‑prevention programs. Timelines are guideline‑based rather than fixed and typically extend to 9–12 months for unrestricted return.

Return-to-sport after ACL injury is shifting from time-only rules toward multifactorial, criterion-based decisions that combine clinical healing, ≥90% limb symmetry on strength and hop tests, validated psychological readiness scores, sport-specific preparation, and delayed timelines (commonly ≥8–9 months). Shared decision-making and layered, sport-specific reintegration are recommended.

A comprehensive case study on interpreting Return to Competition (RTC) test battery results across two time points. Covers hop test symmetry (LSI), Y-Balance Test, Star Excursion Balance Test, Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, I-PRRS psychological readiness, Manchester Instability Score, normalized reach distances, and traffic light classification for clinical decision-making in ankle injury rehabilitation.

A comprehensive case study on interpreting Return to Competition (RTC) test battery results across two time points. Covers hop test symmetry (LSI), Y-Balance Test, Star Excursion Balance Test, Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, I-PRRS psychological readiness, Manchester Instability Score, normalized reach distances, and traffic light classification for clinical decision-making in ankle injury rehabilitation.