The evaluation process designed to ascertain an individual’s readiness to resume athletic activity following an injury or extended period of inactivity involves a series of assessments. These evaluations typically encompass measures of strength, agility, balance, and psychological readiness. A functional movement screen, for example, may be incorporated to identify movement impairments that could predispose the individual to re-injury upon return to full participation.
The significance of this assessment lies in its potential to mitigate the risk of re-injury and optimize performance outcomes. A thorough evaluation allows clinicians and trainers to identify residual deficits that may not be apparent during routine clinical examination. Historically, reliance on time-based protocols alone for return-to-activity decisions has proven inadequate, leading to increased rates of re-injury. The implementation of objective, performance-based criteria provides a more comprehensive and individualized approach.
