Most Footballers lacked awareness of P.E.A.C.E. & L.O.V.E. principle of managing acute soft tissue injuries: study

Key results of the study were:

• Injury recurrence: 76.5% experienced more than one recurrence, while 24.5% had a single recurrence.

• Immediate treatment strategies: 59.5% followed R.I.C.E., 30.5% used P.R.I.C.E. and 9.5% followed P.O.L.I.C.E.

• Awareness of P.E.A.C.E. & L.O.V.E.: 88% were unaware, while only 12% were aware of the principle.

• Perceived study impact: 96.5% of participants found this study informative.

The authors concluded - “This study contributes to a growing body of literature suggesting that the application of the P.E.A.C.E. & L.O.V.E. protocol offers a more effective and holistic approach to managing acute soft tissue injuries in footballers. The findings highlight the limitations of traditional methods such as RICE, particularly the use of ice and complete rest, which may delay healing rather than promote it. Footballers can refer to PEACE & LOVE as immediate management of injuries for optimal recovery, so as to avoid recurrence of injuries. Only 11.5% footballers were aware whereas 88.5% of footballers were not aware about this principle.”

Further reading:

Rizvi A et al. Holistic approach to managing acute soft tissue injury: PEACE and LOVE protocol-observational research. Int J Res Orthop 2025;11:530-4.