Doha: 26th October 2014: Aspetar showcased the latest cutting-edge practices and research in sports medicine and sports science during ‘be active’ conference, hosted by Sports Medicine Australia from 15 to 18 October at Canberra, Australia. Aspetar experts demonstrated their expertise and knowledge on sports medicine and injury prevention and highlighted key health issues related to physical activity including obesity and inactivity. Hundreds of leading international and physical activity, public health, and sports medicine and science experts were presented with ground-breaking research and critical public health issues. More than 300 research presentations were delivered at be active 2014, with speakers including Aspetar experts as Dr Mohamed Ghaith Al-Kuwari, Aspetar Director of Healthy Lifestyle Programme and Dr Juan Manuel Alonso, Sports Medicine Physician and Prof Karim Khan, Director of Research & Education. Prof. Karim Khan, Director of Research & Education said,

“Aspetar experts presented at the event took part in an exchange of knowledge, sharing experience and expertise regarding pioneering healthy lifestyle programme and how it influences public policy and provides many practical initiatives to guide behavior here in Qatar”.

The conference featured a panel of distinguished international experts. Dr Mohammed Ghaith Al Kuwari, Director of the Healthy Lifestyle Programme, presented Aspetar’s experience in promoting physical activity and exercise at the community level by using technology such as pedometers and smart phone applications. Meanwhile, other presentations focused on how to use of internet for physiotherapy consultation and how to measure the performance of football players by using GPS technology. Aspetar Sports Medicine physician, Dr Juan Manuel Alonso reviewed the current scientific knowledge on sport injuries in Athletics. He drew the audience’s attention to the fact that the International Athletics Federation (IAAF) has reported quality data from major events. However, further research is needed to produce better data on injury mechanisms and risk factors. Dr Adam Castricum (Australian Athletics) reviewed the different hamstring muscle and tendon injuries, their mechanisms and clinical management. He insisted that clinicians should not neglect the tendon involvement in some hamstring injuries and remarked that hamstring muscle strains in track and field need longer return to play than football. About Aspetar: Aspetar is one of the world’s leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospitals and the first of its kind in the Middle East. Since 2007, the hospital has provided top-level, comprehensive medical treatment to all athletes in a state-of-the-art facility that sets new standards internationally. In 2013, Aspetar became the first GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Sports Medicine Reference Centre in the Middle East. Aspetar is a member organisation of the Aspire Zone Foundation, Qatar’s innovative sports and healthy lifestyle destination. More about Aspetar at www.aspetar.com