In February 2024, the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO) will kick off a new blended learning course of University Expert in Sports Injuries Rehabilitation. Its director, Dr. Carlos Lago, who also coordinates the degree in Sport and Exercise Science (CAFYD), tells us all the details.
What is the rationale behind the creation of this program?
The creation of this program of University Expert in Sports Injury Rehabilitation has its origin in the purpose of providing job opportunities to students of UNEATLANTICO. Sports rehabilitation emerged two decades ago and, in recent years, has experienced significant growth as a stable profession, with applications in sports clubs, gyms, sports centers, and even in independent practice.
In the field of prevention and rehabilitation, the university identified the need to provide students with the necessary skills to meet the demands of the labor market. For this reason, a few years ago, the decision was made to design an expert course in rehabilitation that would allow students to deepen their knowledge in the treatment of a wide range of pathologies and sports injuries, preparing them in a more solid and complete way for this exciting and growing professional area.
What is the main methodology used for teaching and skill development in the field of sports injury rehabilitation?
The methodology of the course is presented in a highly enriching blended learning format. Part of the study is conducted online, offering diverse content, lectures, and live classes by researchers and physical trainers with a global presence. The theory will then be put into practice in the university’s facilities, which include laboratories and the gymnasium. More intensive sessions will be held here, providing the opportunity to work with athletes, explore progression protocols, and apply the knowledge acquired in a practical way.
What competencies do students acquire at the end of this program?
Students will complete this program by acquiring the essential competencies related to rehabilitation. These have been carefully designed to include the ability to evaluate individuals with injuries, apply a wide range of functional assessment protocols to analyze the location and severity of the injury, and carry out effective interventions on both the injured tissue and the athlete themselves, with the goal of restoring their pre-injury fitness and even improving it.
In this context, how is the curriculum organized and structured?
The curriculum has been finally configured around two subjects, each with 6 credits. The first focuses on deepening the understanding of the factors that cause injuries, which may include muscular, tendon, ligament, and bone aspects. In addition, it provides students with the tools necessary to research and obtain information on less common injuries, given the vastness of the injury world. This course also provides general training on the steps to follow in the rehabilitation process, from collaboration with medical professionals to physiotherapists and graduates in this field.
The second course focuses on specific rehabilitation protocols for the main groups of injuries: muscular, tendon, ligament, and bone.
In addition, students must carry out a final project with an applied approach, oriented to a specific injury.
Who are the professionals that make up the program’s teaching staff? And what are their credentials in the field of sports injury rehabilitation?
The course will be taught by professors of the stature of Manu Crespo, who has worked in the field of rehabilitation with soccer players worldwide and with other top athletes, and Rafael Selles, who works at the Clínica Colmun (Colmun Clinic), one of the most prestigious sports rehabilitation centers in Cantabria. There will also be webinars with physical trainers who are scattered around the world, such as Pilar Hueso (Juventus of Turin), which will be announced soon.
Roberto Cabielles and Florent Osmani, who are alumni of UNEATLANTICO and have received specialized training in this field, oversee the coordination and organization of the expert course oversees. Both play a crucial role in the development of the schedule and the development of some of the course content.
So, what are the opportunities and career paths available to graduates of this program?
Graduates of this program have various professional opportunities, among which the work of a physical-sports rehabilitation stands out. This function has become increasingly requested by companies, sports clubs, and multidisciplinary centers. It is not limited only to fitness training to lose a percentage of fat but also encompasses a significant portion of the population seeking to improve their physical condition and facing challenges such as hernias or previous injuries with latent discomfort. This is where a rehabilitation specialist can make a difference and help these individuals make a significant leap in their quality of life and physical performance.
Finally, why should a student opt for this University Expert in Sports Injury Rehabilitation program at UNEATLANTICO to complete his or her training?
Students should consider this training program because its intensive blended format allows them to acquire the fundamental competencies to become quality rehabilitators in just one semester. This option is highly complementary for those who have recently completed their degree or are in the first years of their professional career in this field.