AZ Jan Palfijn Hospital Opens New Sports Medical Center in Ghent

The AZ Jan Palfijn hospital, located by the Watersportbaan in Ghent, Belgium, has launched a new Sports Medical Center aimed at assisting athletes, from elite competitors to recreational enthusiasts. The facility provides comprehensive support to help individuals enhance their performance and maintain healthy sporting practices.

The center brings together a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including sports physicians, cardiologists, orthopedists, and pediatricians. Services offered encompass exercise testing, sports medical assessments, diagnostic procedures, rehabilitation programs, and support for athletes resuming their activities after injury or a break.

Physiologist Sören Sanders, who will coordinate the center, emphasized its commitment to adopting scientifically validated new technologies. Among its advanced equipment is the Cortex C21 gas analysis device, reportedly the first in Belgium. This system monitors oxygen uptake and numerous other physiological parameters during physical exertion, providing athletes and their coaches with detailed insights into their fitness levels and capacity.

The center's strategic location in Ghent is considered ideal, with proximity to rowing clubs, hockey associations, and Sport Vlaanderen facilities. This positioning allows for convenient access and collaboration, establishing the center as a key hub for sports medicine in the region. The device's mobility also enables measurements to be taken not only within the hospital but also at various sports venues.