Understanding Stability

UKSCA Coach Considerations

In his UKSCA 2024 presentation, Ulrik Sandstrom provided a deep dive into the neurological aspects of injury prevention and rehabilitation. Drawing on decades of experience, Ulrik explaines how the nervous system controls muscles and how disturbances in this system can lead to injury, even in elite athletes. He used compelling case studies, such as Michael Owen's infamous MCL injury, to illustrate how a lack of neuromuscular control can cause athletes to break down despite their strength and conditioning levels. Ulrik also stresses the importance of eccentric movements, explaining that many injuries happen during the deceleration phase of movement, when muscles are required to control force. His presentation emphasises the need for practitioners to look beyond muscular strength and focus on enhancing neurological control to optimise performance and reduce injury risk. The key takeaway: stability and control are the foundation of both injury prevention and athletic performance. This podcast was recorded live at the UKSCA Annual Conference. Supporting materials and the full video presentation are available on the UKSCA website. Visit www.uksca.org.uk for more details.