Program Components

Tekulve Acceleration Sports Training Functional Progression Program picks up where traditional therapy ends. We are looking to return the injured client to full activity status in gradually increasing increments to enhance function and confidence. The program uses the Backpedal Treadmill, Proprioceptive Drills, Forward Treadmill and Strength Training to reach these goals.

Proprioceptive Drills

Multiple movement patterns are performed utilizing both legs. As the client progresses and tolerates the dual leg drills, they are then performed using single legs. This way we can document deficits by comparing the involved leg to the uninvolved. This allows the client to regain confidence in the leg in a noncompetitive situation under close supervision.

The Forward Treadmill  

Utilized for regaining proper running mechanics and increasing cardiovascular conditioning. Early training focuses on low level running at slower speeds and longer duration.  As the client progresses, inclines are increased to simulate normal running/sprinting to return to full recovery.

The Backpedal Treadmill  

We begin with level inclines and longer time duration at slower speeds. As the client progresses, the incline can be raised up to 40 degrees and speeds can be increased. Time duration is anywhere between 4 seconds to 1 minute. The reasons we use the retrograde treadmill is it allows excellent quadricep recruitment, is a proprioceptive tool and it significantly reduces patellar femoral stress.

Summary 

The functional rehabilitation philosophy can be utilized for almost any lower extremity pathology. The key is to progress slowly as signs and symptoms dictate. The goal is to return the client to their preferred activity to as close to 100 % as possible. Almost any age population can benefit from this activity with the appropriate modifications.

The program is 10 or 20 visits and can be scheduled two or three times per week.

As published in the Sept/Oct 2000 issue of The American Journal of Sports Medicine, athletes who trained at Tekulve Acceleration Training based on the first level of the Internationally acclaimed Frappier Acceleration Sports Training Program were: 

• 20% less likely to sustain any injury

• 44% less likely to sustain a season ending injury