Elite athletes undergo continuous assessment and analysis, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and diagnostic methods. Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly vital role in interpreting the resulting data, offering fresh insights into personalized training, injury prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation. These topics will be at the forefront during the 11th MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2023, as part of the prestigious MEDICA medical trade fair, taking place from November 13 to 16.
Held at the Congress Center Düsseldorf (CCD South), this conference will bring together renowned experts in sports medicine, sports science, physiotherapy, and technical specialists for an interdisciplinary dialogue on innovative strategies for prevention, regeneration, and rehabilitation, catering to both high-performance athletes and individuals seeking improved health through sports.
Professional Athletes Overcoming Chronic Conditions
Professional athletes with chronic illnesses face unique challenges, prompting questions about their ability to excel. Daniel Engelbrecht, a professional football player with chronic heart disease and an implanted defibrillator, will share his inspiring journey on November 15, 2023, at 13:15. Having played for prestigious clubs like VfL Bochum, Alemania Aachen, and the Stuttgarter Kickers, Engelbrecht’s insights on managing a defibrillator’s activation could prove invaluable for both professional and amateur athletes and their coaches.
Diabetes and Athletic Success
Prof. Benjamin Levine, the founder, and director of the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, will discuss the relationship between professional sports and coronary arteriosclerosis, a precursor to conditions like stroke. Meanwhile, Timur Oruz, who achieved third place at the Olympics with the German national hockey team in 2016 and became a world champion in 2023, will shed light on managing diabetes while pursuing a career in sports. These stories illustrate that success is possible even in the face of chronic conditions.
Sports and Chronic Diseases
Prof. Philipp Zimmer from the department for research into circulation and sports medicine at TU Dortmund University will elucidate the importance of sports for individuals with neuromuscular diseases and how it can significantly improve their symptoms and overall well-being.
Pediatric Sports Medicine
Dr. Nicole Müller, a senior physician at the pediatric clinic of the University Hospital Bonn, will explore the necessity of sports medicine for children. While children naturally recover faster from exertion, there are inherent risks, especially for highly talented young athletes pushing themselves to their limits. Prof. Ralph Beneke from the Institute of Sport and Motology at the University of Marburg will delve into the potential risks associated with training young athletes.
Promoting Physical Activity in Children
Prof. Yolanda Demetriou from the University of Innsbruck emphasizes the urgency of addressing the lack of physical activity in German children. She suggests changing transportation habits, encouraging children to cycle to school, and fostering a more active lifestyle.
Innovations in Training and Sports Equipment
During the conference, participants can explore the MEDICA SPORTS HUB, a 150-square-meter exhibition in Hall 4 showcasing innovative sports and health equipment, including ‘Skillcourt,’ which offers comprehensive training programs aimed at improving physical and cognitive performance.
AI in Sports Analysis and Injury Prevention
The conference on November 16, 2023, will delve into the use of “Big Data” for performance analysis in football. AI methods have become indispensable for processing and interpreting vast amounts of data in professional sports. Prof. Daniel Memmert, from the Institute of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics at the German Sport University Cologne, will highlight the practical applications of AI in preventing injuries.
AI also plays a role in improving physical activity behavior, as discussed by PD Dr. Daniel Link, an advisor for the German football league. Objective movement tests, led by Dr. Max Müller of Moticon, use sensor insoles for precise measurements of pressure distribution and strength.
The 3D human musculoskeletal computer model “Myonardo” provides insights into bone, joint, tendon, and muscle strain during movement, aiding in injury prevention. Prof. William H. M. Castro, from the Center for Orthopaedic Research in Münster, will present this technology.
Psychology and AI for Peak Performance
Prof. Markus Raab, the head of the Section Performance Psychology at the German Sport University Cologne, will discuss the “in:prove” project, combining interdisciplinary data and AI to predict performance development and responses to training among elite athletes.
Muscle Training and Metabolism
Prof. Wilhelm Bloch, from the department of “Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine” at the German Sport University Cologne, and Prof. Sebastian Gehlert, from the Institute for Sports Sciences at the University of Hildesheim, explore the effects of resistance training on muscle metabolism, even at the molecular level.
Holistic Player Support in Professional Sports
Dr. Robert Percy Marshall, the team doctor of the German national league football club RB Leipzig, will present his comprehensive approach to player care, designed to optimize support for professional athletes.
Innovations in Sports Medicine
The “Sharktank” session on November 16, 2023, will feature a range of technical innovations for sports and health, from inner-ear sensors measuring energy consumption to liquid and electrolyte loss analysis. These innovations aim to enhance sports performance and recovery.
This conference promises to be a platform for the exchange of groundbreaking ideas, fostering advancements at the intersection of sports, medicine, and technology.
