Elias Tsepis

University of Patras,Greece

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Biography:

Biography: Elias Tsepis, born in 1968, is a Professor in Physiotherapy at the University of Patras-Greece. He owns two Bachelor degrees 1st in “Science of Physical Education & Sports” and 2nd in “Physiotherapy”, a MSc in “Sports Medicine” and a PhD in “Biology of Exercise”. He has worked as PT in the national rowing team of Greece, as a PT with handicapped children and as a researcher. He has published about 100 papers in international journals and has been cited for more than 4000. His main research interest is in musculoskeletal injuries prevention & rehabilitation, and biomechanics.

Research Interest: This study aims to examine the inter-relations of endogenous risk factors on the incidence of lower limb injuries in football players. Ninety-nine male football players completed a structured pre-season, on-field assessment. Various data were collected regarding demographics, self-reported outcomes, injury history, isometric hamstring and quadriceps strength, thigh & core muscle endurance, and jump performance. Participants were followed for a whole competitive season for lower limb injuries. Exploratory factor analysis led to grouping of data into latent variables (LV). Partial least squares structural equation modeling was applied to explore both direct and indirect associations among variables. The strongest direct effects on new injury incidence were demonstrated for the LV including asymmetries in hamstrings strength and triple single-leg hop for distance (Path Coefficient (PC) 0.293, p = 0.004) and the VL consisting of number of previous lower-limb injuries and time loss after the more recent injury (PC 0.233, p = 0.015). The impact of lower limb strength asymmetries increased with age, which acted as a mediating factor. Previous injuries showed both direct and indirect effects on neuromuscular characteristics and perceived burnout. Core and hamstring endurance tended to influence new injuries indirectly through strength asymmetries and were significantly affected by hamstring strength (PC 0.248, p = 0.015) and prior injuries (PC -0.207, p = 0.029). In conclusion, injury prevention strategies should emphasize minimizing of strength and hop asymmetries, improving core and hamstring endurance, particularly in older players. Finally, providing tailored preventive interventions for athletes with a history of injury is essential.

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