One of the defining features of the MSc Sports Performance programme at the University of Limerick is its emphasis on applying theory to real-world performance challenges. This week, students had the opportunity to do exactly that as part of a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) module led by Dr Mark Lyons and Prof Ian Kenny.
Bringing High-Performance Practice into the Classroom
Designed to replicate the multidisciplinary challenges practitioners face in high-performance sport, the PBL module centred on Sean Casey, a Limerick senior hurler who is currently at the mid-point of his rehabilitation programme following ACL reconstructive surgery.
At the start of the week (Day 1), the MSc students were introduced to Sean Casey and provided with a detailed background on his sporting journey, from his formative years playing sport through to his increased specialisation, including his introduction to the Limerick Hurling Academy at U14 level. Sean’s strength and conditioning and injury history were outlined up to and including his introduction into the Limerick senior hurling panel.
Breakout discussions followed, with students working in small groups facilitated by Dr Lyons and Prof Kenny. During these discussions, students scrutinised a range of information relating to Sean’s ACL injury, including detailed accounts of the injury, MRI scans, DEXA scans, medical reports, his strength and rehabilitation programme to date, as well as his lifestyle and workload demands.
Functional Testing and Return-to-Running Assessment
On Day 2, students were tasked with designing and setting up a battery of functional tests (strength, stability, mobility and asymmetry) with Sean Casey to examine his progress to date and current functional status, while also gauging his readiness to progress to the next phase of his rehabilitation programme—return to running.
Learning from Both Athlete and Practitioner
A key component of Day 2 was a dedicated question-and-answer (Q&A) session with Sean Casey, who was joined by his physiotherapist, Dr Sean McAuliffe (School of Allied Health, University of Limerick).
Dr McAuliffe provided valuable insight into the rehabilitation process, Sean’s progress to date, the challenges of returning to play and the multidisciplinary approach required to support athletes recovering from long-term injuries.
This session allowed the MSc students the opportunity to learn about ACL injury and rehabilitation directly from both the athlete and practitioner perspectives, as well as the difficult realities of navigating a long-term injury.
Applying Evidence to Practice
Following the Q&A session, students conducted their functional performance test battery on Sean Casey before spending the afternoon analysing and interpreting the data collected.
The exercise challenged students to think critically, make evidence-informed decisions and apply the concepts they have developed throughout the programme to an authentic scenario.
Developing High-Performance Practitioners
Problem-Based Learning forms a central component of the MSc Sports Performance programme, providing students with opportunities to integrate knowledge from strength and conditioning, physiology, performance analysis, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition and rehabilitation.
By working through authentic case studies and engaging directly with athletes and practitioners, students gain valuable experience that helps bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
Modules such as this allow students to experience the realities of working within a multidisciplinary support team while developing their practical, critical thinking and analytical skills, alongside their communication and decision-making abilities—all essential competencies required in high-performance environments.
These professional competency modules are a distinguishing feature of the MSc Sports Performance programme. They form part of a suite of summer PBL modules for which the MSc teaching staff received the 2022 UL Excellence in Group Teaching Award.
Thank You
A sincere thank you to Sean Casey and Dr Sean McAuliffe for generously sharing their time, expertise and experiences with the group.
Their contribution provided students with invaluable insight into the realities of ACL rehabilitation and athlete support within elite sporting environments, and it was hugely appreciated by staff and students alike.
Interested in Learning More?
Interested in learning more about the MSc Sports Performance programme?
🔗 https://www.ul.ie/gps/course/sports-performance-msc
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