Anterior cruciate ligament injuries rank among the most prevalent and severe injuries in elite sports, including ski jumping. Despite the high incidence of knee and anterior cruciate ligament injuries in ski jumping, the mechanisms underlying their occurrence and the subsequent rehabilitation remain relatively under-researched. Ski jumping is a sport that requires exceptional body coordination, dynamics, and technical finesse. These abilities are closely associated with the function of the neuromuscular system and proprioceptive feedback, both of which – at the level of the knee joint – are significantly influenced by the integrity and optimal performance of the anterior cruciate ligament. Despite prolonged rehabilitation, anterior cruciate ligament injuries can often have a significant negative impact on the future competitive performance of ski jumpers.
The aim of this thesis is to present the mechanism of anterior cruciate ligament injuries within ski jumping, subsequent treatment process and rehabilitation specifically adapted to the demands of the sport – from ligament reconstruction to return to sport. The introduction offers a more comprehensive understanding of the issue by exploring the anatomy and biomechanics of the knee joint, the biomechanical characteristics of ski jumping and epidemiology of injuries in the sport. The thesis draws upon both domestic and international scientific literature, supplemented by our professional experience.
The main objective of the thesis is a case study of the rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a ski jumper, offering an in – depth description of the key characteristics of each rehabilitation phase – from the acute postoperative phase to the sport – specific phase before returning to competition. Furthermore, the thesis aims to develop a rehabilitation protocol and training program tailored to the specific demands of ski jumping, which may serve as professional resource in the future, supporting the implementation of rehabilitation for anterior cruciate ligament injuries and enable a safe and successful return to sport.
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