study guide questions

Importance of spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries Knowledge for jr high and HS P.E. Teachers

Peak vulnerable age, immediate safety and medical response and reintegration

Peak vulnerable age

Adolescents and young adults run the highest statistical risk for sustaining acquired SCIs and TBIs due to high-impact school sports, reckless recreational activities, and vehicular accidents.

What is thermoregulation?

Thermoregulation is the biological mechanism by which the body maintains its core internal temperature around a stable set point (~98.6°F / 37°C), balancing heat production with heat loss via sweating, shivering, and blood flow adjustments.

What specific possibly serious related to intense exercise must be considered for any student with a spinal cord injury above T6?

Students with spinal cord injuries at or above the T6 level have disrupted autonomic nervous system control, posing critical threats during exercise. Hyper Effects and Hypo effects

Hyper effects

Autonomic Dysreflexia

Autonomic Dysreflexia

A life-threatening emergency triggered by a noxious stimulus below the injury level (like a full bladder or tight clothing). It causes a sudden, massive reflex spike in blood pressure, presenting with a severe throbbing headache, sweating above the injury line, and a slow heart rate.

Hypo Effects

Thermoregularatory failure and Orthostatic Hypotension

Thermoregulatory failure

Loss of sympathetic control stops sweating and blood vessel dilation below the injury level.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A dangerous drop in blood pressure when upright, leading to dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision due to poor lower limb blood pooling control.

What types of activities and why they would be good for a person with with spina bifida?

Swimming, wheelchair sports, upper body track. They minimize lower body weight bearing

Types of Spina Bifida

Spina bifida occultation, meningocele, myelomeningocele

Spina Bifida Occulta

Mild, often undiagnosed: Vertebrae don’t fully close, spinal cord intact, often no symptoms

Meningocele

Fewer Impairments, mild physical impacts: Sac protrudes through spine (fluid only), minimal nerve damage

Myelomeningocele

Most severe: Spinal cord + nerves protrude, significant nerve damage

What teaching strategies need to be considered for any student in a wheelchair; which of the 9 adaptations might be best, and why?

Always speak to the student at eye level, ensure the playing surface is clear of debris/obstructions, and ensure accessible transitions between activities. Best of the 9 Adaptations: Modifying the Equipment and Rules are generally best.

What are some of the other secondary conditions or health issues you should be aware of for any students in a wheelchair?

Hydrocephalus, bladder/bowel dysfunction, temperature regulation, circulation issues

Hydrocephalus

Excess fluid in brain → requires shunt. Can affect balance, coordination, cognition

How might and open vs closed head injury be different in severity and why?

Open: Object penetrates the skull; causes localized brain damage.

Closed: Brain slams against the inside of the skull; typically more severe due to widespread nerve tearing, brain swelling, and pressure.

Arthrogryposis

Congenital joint contractures causing fixed, stiff joints and weak muscles at birth.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

A genetic disorder causing extreme bone fragility ("brittle bone disease") due to a lack of quality collagen.

Fredericks Ataxia

A progressive, genetic neurodegenerative movement disorder causing loss of coordination, muscle weakness, and speech issues.

Myasthenias Gravis

An autoimmune neuromuscular disorder causing fluctuating weakness in voluntary skeletal muscles that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Guillain Barre

A rapid-onset, acute autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, causing temporary ascending paralysis that usually recovers over time.

Modifications for people with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Strictly avoid contact sports or activities with fall risks; implement gentle, low-impact movements like swimming.

Modifications for people with Myasthenia Gravis

Program frequent rest intervals and keep sessions brief to avoid inducing acute muscle failure.

Modifications with people with Arthrogryposis/Ataxia

Provide orthotic supports, extend task time limits, and use large-surface-area targets.

Scoliosis

Abnormal lateral (side-to-side) "S" or "C" curve of the spine.

Kyphosis

Exaggerated posterior (hunchback) curve of the upper spine.

Lordosis

Exaggerated anterior (swayback) curve of the lower spine.

BEFAST

Balance, eyes, face, arms, speech, time