Between late June and early July, Isokinetic’s Education and Research Department took part in a particularly busy programme of international scientific events. Two major opportunities for academic exchange saw Dr Francesco Della Villa, Scientific Director of Isokinetic Medical Group, representing the organisation first in the United States and then in France, further strengthening Isokinetic’s commitment to research, innovation and knowledge sharing on the global stage.
From 29 June to 2 July 2026, the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia hosted the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, the leading international event organised by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. Each year, the congress brings together clinicians, researchers and industry leaders to share the latest advances in athletic training, injury prevention, rehabilitation and return to sport. The 2026 edition featured hundreds of educational sessions, a variety of learning formats and an exhibition showcasing more than 250 organisations from across the sports medicine sector.
Representing Isokinetic, Dr Francesco Della Villa delivered two presentations on 30 June and 1 July, focusing on some of the most innovative topics in contemporary sports medicine: Addressing ACL Injury Neuroplasticity in Rehabilitation and Return to Sport Testing and New Trends in Football (Soccer) Medicine: Integrating Biomechanics and Neuroscience in Return to Play
The presentations focused on the role of neuroplasticity in rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and on the integration of biomechanics, neuroscience and return-to-sport testing. This multidisciplinary approach represents one of Isokinetic’s most advanced areas of research, with the aim of making every return to play safer, more informed and tailored to the individual athlete.
Participation in the Philadelphia congress also further strengthened the longstanding relationship between Isokinetic and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), built over many years through continuous scientific collaboration and educational engagement.
This partnership was also recognised in 2024, when the National Athletic Trainers’ Association presented Isokinetic with two prestigious honours: the International Service Award and the Clint Thompson Award for Outstanding Clinical Practice Advancement Manuscript. The latter was awarded for the scientific paper Neurocognitive Errors and Non-Contact ACL Injuries in Professional Male Soccer Players, which explored the relationship between neurocognitive errors and non-contact ACL injuries in professional football players.
Following the event in the United States, Dr Francesco Della Villa’s international programme continued in Toulouse, France, where he took part in PCO – Practical Course Orthopedics 2026, held at the Pierre Baudis Convention Centre and the Institut d’Anatomie et de Simulation Chirurgicale
Now in its fourth edition, the Practical Course Orthopedics is an international event focused on hip and knee surgery and sports medicine. The programme is built around a highly practical and immersive format, featuring clinical case discussions, decision-making sessions, live clinics, virtual fellowships, surgical technique sessions and hands-on workshops. Its aim is to provide healthcare professionals with knowledge and practical skills that can be directly applied to everyday clinical practice and patient care.
During the French meeting, Dr Francesco Della Villa delivered four scientific presentations, sharing the clinical expertise and research developed at Isokinetic in the fields of injury prevention, rehabilitation, functional assessment and return to sport.
Participation in both the NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo and PCO – Practical Course Orthopedics highlights Isokinetic’s active role within the international scientific community and reflects the ongoing commitment of its Education and Research Department to bridging the gap between research, technological innovation and everyday clinical practice.
A journey that continues to strengthen Isokinetic’s position as an international reference in sports medicine and orthopaedic rehabilitation, driven by a clear mission: to translate the latest scientific evidence into practical strategies that enhance athletes’ health, safety and performance.
