Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

To enhance sports performance, prevent sports injuries and promote recovery, it is crucial to have the right equipment, adequate facilities and appropriate training. Our Department of Physiotherapy is ready to offer tailor-made treatment plans in the following areas:

Physical fitness assessment
Using advanced equipment, we conduct fitness assessment tests for you before you start doing exercise. The results will be used to design a training programme that suits you the best. 

Enhancing performance 
Through tailor-made training programmes, you can make use of fitness equipment to enhance performance in your favourite sports. 

Physical fitness assessment before exercise 

1. Aerobic Fitness 
   VO2 Max Test
   VO2 max measures the maximum capacity of the body to transport and utilise oxygen during incremental exercises and reflects your level of physical fitness. The name is derived from V – volume per time, O2 – oxygen, Max – maximum. Measuring your VO2 max is said to be the most direct and accurate method of assessing the status of your cardio-pulmonary system. A healthy cardiopulmonary system is a strong backup for different sports. 
   
   VO2 Max Test 
   During this test, you will be asked to jog on a treadmill for 15 minutes. The speed will then be adjusted gradually every 2 to 3 minutes, from moderate to maximal intensity, until your heart rate reaches 70% to 85% of your maximum heart rate. The results will be generated by an oxygen analyser. 
    
2. Muscle Power and Endurance
   It is important to know your maximum muscle power and endurance for a certain exercise. Training below these limits will help prevent muscle fatigue and injuries while simultaneously enhancing sports performance. 
   
   One Repetition Maximum Tests (1-RM Tests)
   The purpose of this test is to measure the maximum strength of various muscles and muscle groups. After warming up, choose a weight that is achievable. Then, after a rest of at least several minutes, increase the weight and try again. You will be asked to lift subsequent weights until you can only repeat one full lift of that weight. This will be the maximum strength of the muscle group tested. 
   
   Hand Grip Test
   The purpose of this test is to measure grip or forearm muscle strength. Handgrip strength is important for any sport in which the hands are used for catching, throwing or lifting. 
    
3. Flexibility Test
   Flexibility is the capacity of a joint to move through its full range of motion. Knowing it will prevent you from over-stretching. Specific exercises can also be done to improve the flexibility of particular joints. 
   
   Sit and Reach Test
   This test measures the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles. Lower back pain is often experienced by those who do not have a sufficient degree of flexibility in these muscles. 
   
   Goniometer
   A Goniometer is used to measure the range of motion of a joint, which is important for avoiding over stretching of muscles and joints. 
    
4. Anthropometric Measurement
   This measurement helps you understand your own physical build. From this measurement, you can choose the sport most suitable for improving your health. 
   
   Body Mass Index (BMI)
   BMI is a measure that compares your weight to your height, calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). It helps assess your body composition and estimate the risk of developing certain health conditions. For the Asian population, a BMI over 23 is considered overweight, and a BMI over 25 is classified as obese. 
   
   Waist Circumference
   A male adult with a waist circumference of 35 inches (90 cm) and a female adult with a waist circumference of 31 inches (80cm) are considered Central Obesity. This greatly increases the risk of getting type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and diseases related to high blood pressure. 
    

Training Programmes 

Aerobic Training
Treadmills, elliptical trainers and arc trainers are some of the equipment you can use for aerobic training, during which you can improve aerobic capacity and enhance aerobic endurance.

Muscle Training
Muscle power and endurance can be enhanced through resistance training using fitness equipment. Coordination training needs specially designed programmes that are instructed by physiotherapist. An optimal performance of the muscles can thus be ensured. 

Flexibility Training
Stretching, contraction and relaxation exercises can improve muscle flexibility. Exercise balls can also be used during flexibility training. 

Hydrotherapy 
Hydrotherapy has its origins in ancient Greece and is now widely used in physiotherapy due to its therapeutic benefits. 

Pain relief
A hydrotherapy pool with a water temperature between 32°C and 34°C provides warmth and comfort. The buoyancy and gentle massage effect of the water help relieve pain in injured joints and limbs. 

Weight training
The body’s ability to bear weight varies with water depth. By using this principle, underwater weight training can accelerate recovery from bone fractures and ligament injuries. 

Muscle strengthening
Water’s buoyancy, turbulence and resistance are highly effective for strengthening muscles and improving physical function. Hydrotherapy is particularly beneficial for training core trunk muscles and improving balance. 

Monitoring by underwater camera
An underwater camera enables therapists to observe patients’ movements during hydrotherapy sessions. This allows for accurate guidance and monitoring of progress. Recordings of the training sessions are also used to evaluate treatment outcomes.