Soft Tissue Health: Nutritional Strategies for Injury Prevention and Recovery

Nutritional strategies to improve soft tissue health, specifically connective tissue collagen synthesis, has recently gained much interest among those who work with athletes. Injury prevention and rapid return to play is an extremely high priority for all members of the sports medicine team. This presentation will provide a comprehensive approach to soft tissue health. It is important for all practitioners working with athletes to gain a basic understanding of the anatomy and mechanics of soft tissues, as well as proper training for injury prevention and recovery.

Understanding the timeline of musculoskeletal injuries and subsequent recovery is critical for the proper coordination of nutritional interventions. Although there is limited evidence on nutritional therapies for soft tissue health, the existing scientific evidence is compelling and will be reviewed. Attendees will leave this session with a better understanding of an emerging topic in human performance and sports nutrition.

Planned with the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group.

CPE Level: Level 3
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 4.2.6 Analyzes and synthesizes information and identifies new information, patterns and findings
• 8.1.4 Demonstrates knowledge of nutrient requirements throughout the life span and their role in health promotion and disease management
• 10.4.4 Makes recommendations for the appropriate use of vitamin and mineral supplementation in the management of health and disease

Learning Objectives

• Describe the dynamics of collagen within the musculoskeletal system.
• Differentiate between connective tissue health training and speed/power training.
• Formulate nutrition strategies to improve connective tissue collagen synthesis.

Speakers

• Keith Baar
• Dana Lis