Question: Is there a difference between training for injury prevention and training for improved athletic performance?
Answer: No.
Think about it.
Can an athlete perform at his best with significant asymmetries in joint movement from one side of the body to the other?
Not likely. (Note: there are a few exceptions like the shoulders of baseball pitchers and tennis players)
Is an athlete more likely to be injured with significant asymmetries in joint movement from one side of the body to the other?
Yes. (AJSM 19: 76-81 (1991), Spine. Sept; 8(6): 643-51)
Can a fatigued athlete produce and absorb high levels of force and perform at an optimal level?
Not likely.
Is a fatigued athlete more likely to get injured?
Yes. (Neuroscience Letters 333(2): November 2002, pp. 131-135; MSSE 34(12): 1907-1912, December 2002)
Ever see an ACL injury prevention training program? They emphasize proper landing mechanics, posterior chain strengthening, force absorption and plyometric training, etc.
Looks a lot like a performance enhancement program.
Train your athletes for improved performance, and they’re less likely to be injured.
Bill