Disabled Athletes Flashcards
What percentage of the Australian population are disabled?
13%
In regards to disabled athletes, what should sports trainers/coaches be focused on?
Residual function (i.e. what they can do, not what they can’t do)
How are disabled athletes categorised?
Lowest category number = most disabled
What is the purpose of disabled sport?
Modify the skills and rules only where necessary
What are the classifications of amputees?
Single/double and above/below the knee/elbow
What are the possible symptoms/side effects associated with training for amputees?
Back soreness (prosthesis wrong length), blistering (rubbing of prosthesis on stump), soft tissue breaks in stump, stump soreness, thermoregulation
What is cerebral palsy?
A group of disorders of impaired brain & motor function
What percentage of CP athletes have 3 or more disabilities?
88%
What is the major disability of CP?
Impaired function of voluntary musculature
What are the special problems of CP?
Ataxia (unsteadiness), exhaustion (poor motor efficiency), dehydration, severe muscle cramps, chest infections, sunburn, spasticity, seizures
What classes of CP patients often experience chest infections?
Class 1 & 2
What is an essential consideration for athletes with intellectual disabilities?
Ensure they understand safety & injury treatment instructions
What is atlantoaxial instability?
A genetic condition characterised by malalignment of C1 & C2, allowing the joint to slide more than 5-7%
What visual acuity rating is associated with blindness?
<6/60
What are the medical problems associated with blindness?
Detached retina (avoid contact sports) & glaucoma (avoid activities that increase blood pressure)
How can sports trainers/coaches aid communication with deaf athletes?
Written materials, face athlete when speaking, speak slowly, use a sign interpreter
What are the common medical conditions associated with transplants?
Osteoporosis & immune suppression
Failure of what two organs is associated with osteoporosis almost 100% of the time?
Kidney and liver
What activities should transplantees avoid?
High impact/contact activities, jumping, running
Why are blood tests regularly reuiqred for transplantees?
To assess imbalances in blood chemistry, provide indication of infections & early organ rejection
What injury is associated with wheelchair athletes?
Loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the spinal cord lesion
What does the height of the back of a wheelchair indicate?
Degree of control (high = less control)
What are the considerations for wheelchair athletes?
Overheating, poor circulation, calcification of knee & hip, reduced spine flexibility, overdevelopment of pecs & anterior deltoid, UTIs, skin damage
What does Les Autres mean?
‘The Others’ - category for all other locomotor disabilities
