- The players underwent comprehensive musculoskeletal assessments, biomechanical tests, and strength analyses this weekend to optimize their performance and prevent injuries.
- The alliance between Ribera and Levante UD reinforces the healthcare group's commitment to elite sports medicine, based on high specialization and advanced technology, and consolidates its position as a leader in sports health.
Hospital Imske Riverbank has welcomed the squad of Levante UD, who has undergone a comprehensive circuit of sports medical examinations, designed for high performance.
Far from a simple check-up, the Levante players have undergone a battery of advanced tests, including state-of-the-art biomechanical studies, strength analysis, functional assessments, and a comprehensive musculoskeletal examination. This process is key to anticipating risks, preventing injuries, and fine-tuning their physical preparation before the start of preseason and the competition. The Levante UD players' visit to Ribera Imske marks the beginning of a demanding preseason for the club, which is ambitiously aiming to consolidate its position in the First Division, supported by a highly specialized medical team.
Sergio Calvache, head of the Sports Medicine Unit at Ribera Imske Hospital, explains that the objective of these medical examinations is "firstly to detect if there is any health problem, but also to identify deficits that can help us improve athletic performance," all of this, he adds, "with a multidisciplinary team that includes physical trainers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, doctors and other health specialties."
Dr. Calvache explains these tests in detail. “The players completed a circuit in the gym with the physical trainers and physiotherapists, where a thorough examination of the joints, strength tests, assessment of joint angles, and a battery of tests were performed to optimize player performance and prevent injuries. Next, they completed a cardiopulmonary assessment circuit, which included a cardiac evaluation with an electrocardiogram and a cardiac echocardiogram. And if everything is normal, we perform a maximal exercise test, in which they follow a running protocol while we analyze their pulmonary function,” he stated.
Dr. José Manuel Álvarez, sports physician at Ribera Imske and member of the Levante UD medical team, emphasizes the importance of these tests, “in which we evaluate strength and mobility, take a medical history, and perform an ultrasound to check for structures that may have suffered previous injuries.” He also highlights the value of a nutritional assessment, a gait analysis with a podiatrist, and a biomechanical analysis. “With all these tests, we obtain a baseline assessment of the player before training begins. This allows us to understand their physical condition, identify any lingering effects of previous injuries, and have a comprehensive evaluation of their fitness level at the start of preseason,” Dr. Álvarez explains.
According to Dr. Adolfo López, traumatologist at Ribera Imske and also a member of Levante's medical team, "preseason is the ideal time to detect if players have any tendinopathy, overuse injuries, or previous injuries, and thus prepare a personalized plan." He also emphasizes the importance of getting to know and integrate with the coaching staff and the medical team "so that everyone is working towards the same goal."
The Ribera Imske Hospital has established itself as one of the most advanced centers in Spain for sports medicine and musculoskeletal disorders, with dedicated facilities for professional athletes and cutting-edge technology applied to diagnosis and rehabilitation. Its model integrates traumatology, sports medicine, physiotherapy, and functional rehabilitation in a highly specialized environment. The collaboration between the Ribera Group and Levante UD brings to professional football a healthcare approach based on precision, innovation, and clinical excellence, with proprietary protocols that place the patient—and the athlete—at the center. High-performance sports medicine, advanced technology, and super-specialization at the service of professional football: this is how the new season begins for Levante UD.
