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

Written by Dr Supreeth D R Published On 2025-05-25T21:45:18+05:30 | Updated On 25 May 2025 9:45 PM IST

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

Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains and contusions are common in football and the initial response to these injuries plays a crucial role in recovery. Traditional methods like R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) have been widely used since their introduction in 1978. However, recent evidence suggests that these methods may not support optimal tissue healing, leading to the development of the P.E.A.C.E. (protection, elevation, avoid anti-inflammatories, compression, education) & L.O.V.E. (load, optimism, vascularization, exercise) protocol, which emphasizes natural healing processes without the use of anti-inflammatory treatments.

Rizvi A et al conducted a study to analyze the recurrence of injuries and the remedial management strategies used by footballers, promoting awareness of the P.E.A.C.E. & L.O.V.E. principle for better injury outcomes.

This was a survey-based observational study involving 200 footballers aged 18 to 35, playing at different levels in Lucknow football academies and clubs. Data were collected using a self-made questionnaire comprising questions about football-related injuries and their management.

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.”

MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS

Dr Supreeth D R (MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS) is a practicing orthopedician with interest in medical research and publishing articles. He completed MBBS from mysore medical college, dip ortho from Trivandrum medical college and sec. DNB from Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. He has expirence of 7years in the field of orthopedics. He has presented scientific papers & posters in various state, national and international conferences. His interest in writing articles lead the way to join medical dialogues. He can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.