Strong Co-operation at ACSM Annual Conference

Representatives from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) strengthened their co-operation and future outlook during the recent annual meeting in Baltimore, USA.

Taking place from 1-5 June, the ACSM annual meeting had over 5,000 participants covering a wide range of medical topics and allied health professions. Additionally, scientific disciplines were covered including the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries and the advancement of the science of exercise.

The co-operation of the ACSM with the IPC was strengthened through a special symposium on ‘Technological Advances in Olympic and Paralympic Sport’ which was chaired by IPC Sport Science Committee member Walt Thompson. Additional presentations were given by Brendan Burkett (AUS), Rory Cooper (USA) and Carl Payton (GBR).

An invitational symposium also took place under the topic of ‘Vancouver 2010: Olympic and Paralympic Sports Medicine Research and Injury Surveillance’, with participation from IPC Medical Officer from the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games Stuart Willick and IPC Medical and Scientific Director Peter Van de Vliet. Both Mr. Willick and Mr. Van de Vliet, along with Mr. Thompson, also met with the ACSM Presidency to further explore co-operation opportunities including the organization of a Team Physician Course on Paralympic Athletes in 2011.

The next ACSM Annual Conference will take place from 1-4 June 2011 in Denver, USA.

The ACSM puts into practice its strategic efforts to advancing the health of all. As the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, ACSM has more than 20,000 International, National, and Regional Chapter members.

ACSM’s Mission Statement reflects their goal of promoting and integrating scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.