MUSCAT, OCT 26
Research, injury prevention and closer cooperation between medical specialists took centre stage at the third Sports Science Forum, which concluded at Crowne Plaza Muscat in Qurum on October 25.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), the two-day event brought together more than 85 participants and 12 speakers. Dr Said bin Harib al Lamki, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, presided over the closing ceremony.
The programme focused on shoulder and lower back injuries, examining assessment, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention. Contributions covered orthopaedic surgery, physiotherapy, sports nutrition, psychology, radiology, pain management and sports dentistry.
Three ministry research studies were also presented, highlighting efforts to strengthen the scientific foundations of athlete care and translate research findings into clinical practice.
Salim bin Mohammed al Ghailani, Director of the ministry’s Department of Sports Medicine and Science, said the forum built on its previous editions by strengthening links between sports medicine and sports science.
He said integrating the two fields could improve treatment protocols and help practitioners keep pace with scientific developments. This edition also highlighted three studies published in peer-reviewed journals, including research into cruciate ligament injuries and related treatment protocols.
Al Ghailani called for stronger links between universities and sports medicine institutions to build a research resource that could support future studies and improve professional practice. Cooperation with the University of Nizwa, he added, offered opportunities to share equipment and facilities with researchers.
Dr Ibrahim al Garni, a consultant sports medicine physician, said the discussions demonstrated the value of bringing different specialities together to address athletes’ health.
Discussing recurrent injuries, he stressed the importance of gradually increasing training demands, following appropriate warm-up routines and developing strength in line with each athlete’s capabilities.
Accurate diagnosis and surgery were only part of successful treatment, he said, with structured rehabilitation essential to restoring fitness and reducing the likelihood of further injury.
Al Garni also said participation in different sports during childhood could support physical development and coordination when activities were appropriate to age and growth. However, he cautioned professional footballers against high-contact combat sports that could expose them to joint and ankle injuries.
Dr Abdulmajeed Okshah, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Basic Medical Science at King Khalid University, highlighted the contribution of sports dentistry to multidisciplinary care.
He said oral health deserved greater attention in athletes’ overall healthcare, with sports dentistry encompassing prevention, protection against dental and jaw injuries, and support for sporting performance.
Custom-made mouthguards, he explained, were among the measures used to reduce injury risks during training and competition. Cooperation between dentists and physiotherapists could also strengthen preventive care involving the jaw and neck.
Physiotherapist Asaad bin Masoud al Toubi said injury prevention began with helping athletes understand common injuries, their causes and ways to reduce their risk. Physical conditioning and regular health assessments were equally important.
Recovery times varied according to injury severity and the athlete’s response to treatment, he added, stressing that return-to-play decisions required careful assessment.
There was no instant solution to recovery, Al Toubi said. A safe return depended on a coordinated programme of treatment, rehabilitation and physical preparation.
The forum formed part of the scientific programme of the Directorate General of Sports Care and Development, supporting national expertise and improving medical and rehabilitation services for athletes in Oman.
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