The course, which took place at Aspetar between June 13-15, attracted over 45 world-class practitioners from around the Asian continent, including 29 experts from Aspetar.

The course programme reflected the invaluable role played by physiotherapists in the modern game of football. It was specifically designed by experts from Aspetar and the AFC to examine the role of today’s physiotherapists and their contribution to supporting players’ recovery and rehabilitation, enabling them to reach new peaks in performance.

The inaugural AFC Physiotherapy Course was developed jointly between Aspetar and the AFC after the AFC Medical Committee acknowledged the need to enhance the capabilities of the continent’s physiotherapists – all of whom play an invaluable role in modern-day football.

During the event, course participants heard from senior leaders from Aspetar including Dr. Mohammed Ghaith Al-Kuwari, Acting Director General, Dr Scott Gillogly, Chief Medical Officer and Mr Riadh Miladi, Director of the Rehabilitation Department. They were joined by representatives from the AFC including Dato’ Dr Gurcharan, Chairman of the AFC’s Medical Committee and Mr. Saoud Aziz Al Mohannadi, Vice-President and Chairman of the AFC Competitions Committee.

Across a variety of workshop sessions, presentations and practical exercises, the course provided participants with the opportunity to examine best practices in physiotherapy and to develop their knowledge and understanding through practical, evidence-based examples and extensive clinical research.

Course sessions focused particularly on team sports and covered topics including the management of on-field injuries and medical emergencies such as concussions, asthma attacks, epilepsy and heat-related illnesses. Participants also covered areas such as managing common lower limb football injuries, nutrition for recovery, the use of supplements in football and its possible implications on anti-doping, as well as age and gender verification in the game. Participants were also presented with an overview of the key psychological considerations and best practices to adopt when returning treated players onto the field of play.

Physiotherapists and medical practitioners were unanimous as they praised the positive impact of attending the course.

Hosting the course is further evidence of how Aspetar is ideally placed to assume responsibility for organising major events that support the development of the sports industry.