Sports Medicine

Direct injuries: definion and example

caused by external force applied to the body

e.g injury caused by tackle/collision

Indirect injuries: definition and example

casued by an intrinsic force

e.g hamstring tear while spriniting

examples of injuries that result from externcal forces - direct injuries (4)

• haemotomas (corks)

• contusions (bruise)

• joint and ligament damage

• dislocations and bone fracture

Overuse injuries: definition and examples

caused by the overuse of specific body parts e.g tennis elbow, shin splints, heel and knee pain

Overuse of injuries are common in

endurance based sports

large amount of overuse injuries results from

poor training plans

Soft tissue injuries: definition and examples

most common form of injury where damage that only occurs skin deep e.g. Lacerations, tears

4 examples of soft tissue injuries and explain

Skin injuries – blisters, cuts

Muscle injuries – tears or strains of muscle fibres and contusions (bruise

Tendon injuries – tears or strains of tendon fibres (tendonitis) – Nadal had this in knees

Ligament injuries- tears or strains of ligament fibres

Strain

is a partial or complete tear of a muscle or tendon (bone to muscle)

Sprain

is a partial or complete tear of a ligament (bone to bone)

Abrasions

caused as a result of the skin being scraped. The wound needs to be cleansed and sterilised in order to prevent

infection.

Lacerations

are when the skin has incurred an irregular tear, it may require stitches depending on the depth of the cut.

Blisters

are caused by a collection of fluid below or within the epidermal layer of the skin ,they occur because of friction.

Calluses

is when a build up of dead skin forms at a site where friction has occurred

Immediate treatment of skin injuries - danger

play continuing around the injury

Immediate treatment of skin injuries: bleeding

Blood and bodily fluids increase the risk of infectious diseases

needs to be controlled immediately to slow down blood flow

Pressure should be applied to the wound with elevation being applied

After dressing is applied, place ice so that it will decrease bleeding

Immediate treatment of skin injury - assesment

see if it is a simple or complex injury

E.g. Is it just a blister or a deep cut requiring

Immediate treatment of skin injuries - cleaning

Clean using clean water or saline solution

Take out foreign material (grass/dirt), though leave in deep material

Make sure clothes are also clean before athlete returns

Immediate treatment of skin injuries - antispetic

should be applied to the skin injury

immediate treatment of skin injury - dressing

should be adhesive (band aid) or non adhesive (allow large wounds which may weep.

Dressing should not get damp as this encourages infection

immediate treatments for skin injury - refferal

should be made for complex injuries, such as head injuries or deep wounds

Inflammatory response - phase 1

characterised by pain, increase blood flow to the area (which cause pain because of excess fluid to the area) redness, heat, swelling, loss of function and mobility

inflammatory response, phase 2, the repair and regenerative

formation of new fibres and the production of scar tissue. The longer the inflammation occurs, the worse the scar tissue will be

inflammatory response, phase 3 :the remodelling stage

is characterised by increased production of scar tissue and replace of tissue that needs to be

strengthened

Hard Tissue Injuries occur when the damage…? Examples

is done to the bone. E.g severe fractures, dislocations and bruising of the bone

5 Types of Hard Tissue Injuries

1. Simple/closed

2. Complicated open

3. Compound

4. Stress fractures

5. Dislocations

Closed fracture

most comon broken bones that occur, remains inside the body and does not pierce the skin. AKA simple fractures

Open fractures (compound fractures)

break that does peirce the skin so that the bone can be seen.

why are open fractures also known as compound fractures

more than one issue that needs to be addressed (i.e bleeding, open wound etc.)

complicated fractures

bone causes further damage to major nerves, organs or blood vessels. These are compicated because they can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention.

complete fracture

breaks clean through the bone, so that there are now 2 parts

comminuted fractures

result in more than 2 parts to the bone, can be a smashing of bone or simply multiple fractures in the one bone

incomplete fractyre/greenstick fracture

doesn’t break the whole way trhough the bone, so that the bone is still in one piece, but still has a break in it

Stress fractures

bone fractures that develop slowly and casued by overuse

Dislocations and signs

displacement of a bone at a joint caused by execcsive force. Signs inlcude pain, swelling and bruisnig around joint, defomrity and tenderness.

management of dislocations (5)

1. DRSABCD

2. Do not move the joint

3. check for circulation past the joint

4. support the area

5. apply ice packs

Assesment of injuries TOTAPS

Talk - ask questions about the injury

Observe - look for visible signs (sweeling, deformity)

Touch - feel for pain, heat, swelling

Active movement - athlete moves injured area

Passive movement - you move the injured area

Skills test - perform sport-specific movements to assess readiness

STOP TOTAPS AND SEEK MEDICAL AID AT ANY STEP IF PAIN, ABNORMALITY, OR LIMITED FUNCTION IS FOUND

STOP: on feild assessment

Stop - athelte stopped from further participating

Talk - to athelte (how it happened, where it hurts etc)

Observe - area and the athlete

Prevent further injury - taking player off for further assesement

Assesment of Injury - RICER deinfition

used for soft tissue injuries, bleeding, abrasions, calluses, blisters, and lacerations to reduce blood flow, swelling, pain and promote rehab

RICER

R - rest: inactive 48-72 hrs to prevent further injury

I - ice: constricts vessles, reduces pain, swelling, inflammation, and scar tissue

C - compression: elastic bandage to decrease bleeding, bruising and support area

E- elevation: raise above heart to reduce bleeding and pressure

R - referral: seek proffesional help for rehabilitation

Things to avoid in assessing injuries and why

• appliction of heat, heat packs, spas etc

• Drinking alcohol

• Activity

• Massage

as they stimulate blood flow to the area and therefore swelling and inflammation reduces rehab

Sports Injury flow of steps (priority)

1. Injury occurs to athlete

2. DRSABCS

3. STOP

4. TOTAPS

5. Then either: (RICER, Skin injury, fracture or dislocation management).

Children and Young Athletes benefit from participating in phsyical activity: (8)

• enjoyment

• social interaction

• improved motor and communication skills

• greater aerobic fitness

• improved cooridnation

• increased strength

• development of self esteem

• promotion of physical activity into adulthood

young athletes cannot cope with the same level of training as adults? TRUE OR FLASE?

TRUE

What can intensive training be like for maturing young performers?

boring, restrictive and socially isolating

Asthma - children and young athletes

Asthma narrows airways and makes breathing difficult. Exercise induced asthma is common and worsened by cold, dry air or intense, prolonged activity.

What should be considered when training someone with asthma? (7)

• ensure proper warm up

• avoid exercise after recent asthma attack

• allow rest periods

• ensure preventive medication is available and used if needed

• be cautious in cold/dry weather or during respiratory infections

• know the athlete’s limits

• understand and follow their asthma management plan

What should be considered when training someone with diabtetes? (5)

• follow specific dietary requirements

• monitor blood glucose levels before and during activity

• avoid overly strenuous exercise to prevent hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

• signs of hypoglycaemia include fatigue, confusion, and possible collapse

• if concious during a hypoglycaemic episode, give a glucose substance immediately

What is epilepsy and what should be considered when training someone with epilepsy

epilepsy causes siezures that affect movement control.

• fatigue and extreme body temperature can trigger siezures

if seizure occurs:

• do not restrain the person

• clear the area to ensure safety

• let the person rest once the seizure ends

What causes overuse injuries and how can it be prevented in children

oversue injuries result from repetitive stress, especually on hard surfaces.

• avoids overtraining, particularily on hard surfaces

• encourage p;aying multiple sports and varying positions

• ensure proper conditioning and stretching programs

• be aware of stress fractures - small bone crakcs, often near growth plates (hips and knees), caused by repeated trauma

What is thermaoregulation?

the control of the body’s core temperature.

what should be considered for thermoregulation in children and young athletes? (6)

• take longer to acclimatise to heat

• less effcient at cooling due to immagure sweating mechanism

• more vulnerable to dehydration and temperaure extremes

• should not exercise > 30minutes in extreme weather

• encourage frequent small sips of water

• ensure apprproiate clothing for the conditions

Why is matching opponents important for children and young athletes? (4)

mathcing athletes by size, maturity and skill level

• reduces risk of injury

• enhances enjoyment and confidence

• especially important in contact sports

What are the guidlines for resistance trainnig in children and young athletes?

• bodywieght exercises are best for developing strength

• light weights with high repetions can be used

• must be closely supervised with correct technique

• generally, resistance training is not necessary for young athletes

what should be considered for adult and aged athletes with heart conditions? (6)

aging reduces cardiovascular efficiency, limiting oxygen delivery

key issues:

• weaker heart, less elastic blood vessles, high blood pressure

• less elastic lungs, harder breathing

• avoid strenuous exercise; train at 60-75% of max heart rate

• aerobic events pose higher risks

• suitable activities: walking, cycling, golf, bowls (low stress on the heart)

What should be considered for adult and aged athletes regarding fractures and bone density (5)

aging reduces bone density, increasing fracture risk from falls, impact, or sudden movements.

• brittle bones fracture more easily

• stress fractures are common with low calcium, especially in amenorrhoeic women

• older females should avoid contact sports and sharp directional changes

• resistance training is important to support bone strength and development

How can adult and aged atheltes maintiain flexibility and joint mobility?

flexibility declines with age due to reduced elasticty in tendons, ligaments and muscles.

Key strategies:

• perform regular, gentle, slow stretching '

• participate in yoga or tai chi to maintain flexbility

• use aqautic exercises like swimming/aqua aerobics for joint mobility and light stretching in a low-impact environment

• maintaining flexibility supports mobility in older age

Adult and aged athlete trainers should consider? (7)

• medications

• flexibility

• lifestyle

• lower intensity program

• bone density

• medical conditions

• past injuries

What is important to know about eating disorders in female athletes (3)

• about 5% of women may develop an eating disorder during thier lives

• high level physical activity is a risk factor mainly if combined with other issues like low self esteem

• extreme exercise can be a coping mechanism for emotional conflicts, similar to gambling or alcohol misuse.

What should be known about eating disroders in female athletes?

• anorexia nervosa is common in elite female athletes, especially in apperance (gymnastics, diving, ice-skating, bodybuilding) and endurance sports (long distance swimming, running, triathlon).

• women are twice as likely to develop eating disorders duet to sport-related pressures

• disordered eating causes starvation and dehydration, imparing performance

Why is iron important for female athletes, and how is iron deficiency managed? (6)

• females need twice as much iron as males, mainly due to menstrual blood loss

• training increases iron needs further

• pregnancy increases iron demand (transfer to fetus)

• iron is vital for oxygen transport and energy production

• iron deficiency can cause anaemia, reducing performance

• to prevent deficiency, consume iron-rich foods like red meats and leafy greens

What are the benfits and guidelines for exercise during pregnancy in female athletes? (5)

• Milk to moderate physical activity is safe and beneficial during pregnancy

• many elite athletes continue training without issues

Benefits include

• controlled maternal weight

• reduced risk of gestational diabetes

• healthy baby weight increase

Why is bone density important for female athletes, epescially around menopause? (3)

• bone density is the thickness and strength of bones

• calcium deficiency leads to osteoporosis and fractures, especially in menopausal and postmenopausal women

• calcium is crucial for strong bones and proper muscle and nerve function

What is the purpose of pre-screening in physical preparation, and what risk factors are considered? (3)

• pre-screening gathers athlete history, capabilities, and pre-existing injuries via questionnaire.

• tailors exercise programs to individual needs

• considers age, gender, health status, and previous physical activity experience

Risk factors for exercise related complications include (pre-screening in physical preparation) - (7)

• age over 40

• overwieght

• high B.P or cholestrol

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• Pregnancy

• Physical inactivity

Why is skill and technique important in physical preparation (4)

• many injuries are caused by poor technique and skill

• coaches must teach proper technique to prevent injury

• example: proper tackling technique in rugby

• coaches can break skills into parts to improve learning and safety

Why is physical fitness sport - specific, and how does this apply to netabll?

• physcial fitness is essential, but training should target sport-specific components

  e.g Netballers focus on speed, agility, hand-eye coordination, and cardiovascular endurance

• strength training is less relevant for netball

• even within netball, different positions have different fitness needs:

- Mid-court: more endurance

-shooters: speed bursts

What is the purpose of warm up in phsyical preparation? (5)

Warm up (around 15 minutes)

• prepares body for activity

• increases blood flow, oxygen, and body temp

• stretches muscles and ligaments

• provides mental focus

• incldues: general activity, stretching, sport-specific drills

What is the purpose of cool down in phsyical preparation? (3)

• helps body return to resting state

• reduces muscle soreness, tightness, and DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)

• involves light activity and stretching

Sports Policy and Sport Envrionment - rules of sport and activities and examples

• players must respect the rules and those who enforce them (officials)

• more dangerous game, more strict rules (e.g rugby league has no high tackles)

Sport rules cover a wide range of aspects relating to the game such as: (5)

• the size of the feild/court

• length of the competition

• number of breaks

• what equipment must be used (size)

• what constitutes a foul or unfair play

As sport intensity increases (such as)…what happens?

futsal, baskteball or netball, the court becomes smaller and breaks may increase in frequency

What rules are important in contact sports such as AFL or Rugby Union? What is the impact? What is an adaptation?

Rules about the areas where contact can and cannot be made, e.g no contact above the shoulders. An adaptation = rugby league banning the use of “chicken winging” which uses the arm to force the opposing player to the ground.

Sports policy rules - heat

“beat the heat” endorsed by Sports medicine Australia

Sports policy and the sport environment - Modified rules for children examples

• Kanga Cricket: no feilder allowed 10m of batting wicket, everyone bats and bowls equal amounts to encourage participation

• Walla Rugby: no pushing in scrum, contact reduced

Modified rules for children include modifications to..

ball sizes, feild szies, duration of competitions, smaller distances, and closer and smaller goals.

How are rule modifications good for young children and athletes?

participation in sport safer for child and enhances wellbeing. Gives greater access to fluids, less distance to run, and balls that they can actually kick or headset without placing too much stress on their body

Sports policy and the sport environment: Matching of Opponents (4 types)

• Age

• Size

• Sex

• Skill level

Matching of oppnonets - AGE and results in what?

• done both physiologically and physically

• Similiar in size and skill level

• Results in a safer sporting environment for the athlete, minimising injuries and enhancing wellbeing

Mathcing of opponents - AGE (limited in its ability to reduce injuries bc?)

• children and young athletes grow and develop at varying rates and skill levels. It is not fair/safe to match a congnitive learner against an autonomous athlete for any sport.

Grading in sport can..

minimise mismatching

Matching of opponents - SIZE

3 Combat sport examples that match opponents by size

• boxing

• mixed martial arts

• greco-roman wrestling

How does matching oppnonents by size reduce risk of injury? provide an example?

not forced to compete against people to much bigger than theme.

e.g not safe to ask a 40kg 13 year old to tacle a 80kg 13 year old, even though they’re the same age

Matching Opponents - SKILL LEVEL

How do sport matches use skill levels? explain with example

Grading teams: first division team that is highly skilled and they play against other highly skilled athletes of the same age

e.g Football

Matching Opponents - by SEX

Why dont males and females compete against eachother?

Males have more testosterone than females and so develop larger and stronger muscles

Purpose of protective equipment in sports

absorbs energy from a direct blow (helmet/mouth gaurd) and limits excess movement (studs in football)

Sports policy and the sport environment - safe ground, equipment and facilities

• ground should be free from obstruction (sprinklet heads, glass) Posts should be well padded for training and game

• ground should be secure from spectators

Environmental Considerations - temperature regualtion (Convection) 2 description points

Heat is lost due to the air flow across the body

• Cold breeze causes heat loss

• Clothing is used to protect against convective heat loss if the air is hotter than the body, heat gain will result

Environmental Considerations - temperature regualtion (RADIATION) 2 description points

Heat radiates from a warm ovject to a cold object

• electromagnetic waves - hot days: heat from the ground and sun will warm up the athlete

• on a cold dday heat will be lost from an athlete to their surroundings

Environmental Considerations - temperature regualtion (CONDUCTION) description + example

Heat exchange occurs when two objects of differing temperature contact with each other

• a swimmer loses heat to the cold water - a netball player may gain heat from contact with a hot playing surface

Environmental Considerations - temperature regualtion (EVAPORATION) description point

Heat is lost when sweat is evaporated from the bodies surface

• a lot of heat is lost during exercise - heat being lost from the skins surface then allows heat from deeper inside the body to be moved outwards

Climatic conditions - temperature, humidity rain and wind

• Thermoregulation factors: air temp and humidity (body aims to remain at 37’C)

• Sweat can easily evaporate if air is dry and has breeze

• Caution for temp > 25’C

Hot and humid conditions effect on athlete:

Hyperthermia (body temp rising)

Hypothermia

low core body temp

cold water or cold air better for athlete?

Being exposed to cold water is more dangerous then cold air as the water is a better conductor, thus we loose more heat in cold water

Climatic conditions: Altitude and Pollution (3)

• aerobid performance is greatly affected by altitudes higher than 1500m

• At altitude, air < dense (less oxygen)

• Therefore, important for athletes to acclimatise before training

Climatic conditions: Pollution (3)

• detrimental to athlete

• Lung function is affected by air pollution. CO (found in car fumes) reduces oxygen capabilities

• Triggers asthma attacks and respiratory illnesses

Climatic conditions - Fluid intake Guidelines (5)

• high intensity exercise → water loss from skin and lungs increase

• Exercise in heat → high sweat loss = greater water loss

• ALL ATHLETES MUST BE HYDRATED WHEN BEGINING EVENT

• Small drinks every 15 mins

• Lack of body fluid → high body temp and dehydration

Climatic conditions - Heat Acclimatisation affects: (2)

• increased sweat rate

• decreased heart rate

Climatic conditions - benefits of altitude training (2)

• increase in RBC

• increase in blood capillaries