With the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games just around the corner, athletes worldwide are gearing up for the biggest event of their careers. Behind every great athlete, there is a team of experts working tirelessly to ensure they stay healthy and perform at their best. Among these unsung heroes is the rehabilitation sciences team from PolyU, led by Professor Amy Fu, Peter Hung Professor in Pain Management, Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports). Their expertise in rehabilitation support has been instrumental in backing the performance of both national and Hong Kong team athletes for years.

Backing Hong Kong’s judoka Wong Ka-lee

Hong Kong’s judoka Wong Ka-lee, now ranked 57th in the world, will have her first Olympics bout in Paris. During the competition, PolyU’s rehabilitation expert will support her along with The Judo Association of Hong Kong, China. Notably, the team has designed together with HKRITA a unique shoulder brace specifically for judo athletes, showcasing their commitment to tailored solutions. With this tailored brace, Ka-lee feels that her shoulder is better supported, which facilitates her performance.

PolyU’s rehabilitation sciences team has developed a close connection with The Judo Association of Hong Kong, China since 2009. Over the years, they have been a constant presence at the training centre in Hong Kong, helping athletes avoid injuries and boost their performance.

Supporting national athletes

Imagine training every day for years, pushing your body to its limits. That is the life of a national judo athlete. Since September 2023, Professor Fu and her team have been in Beijing, providing these athletes with top-notch rehabilitation services. Their goal is simple: prevent injuries and help athletes perform better. Thanks to their hard work, six judo athletes have qualified for the Paris Olympics. One of their most innovative contributions is the Patellar Auto-mobilising Device (PAD), a special gadget designed to ease knee pain, allowing athletes to train harder and recover faster.

An athlete receiving PAD for easing knee pain. 

The team also provided support to athletes through the Sports Bureau of Guangdong Province. Among them, Professor Fu and her team supported a gymnast from Guangdong Province, who then qualified to represent China in the Olympics. Their expert care and guidance make all the difference.

Kudos to PolyU’s rehabilitation sciences team who help athletes shine on the sports stage!