Disabled Athletes

Question 1

What percentage of the Australian population are disabled?

Answer 1

13%

Question 2

In regards to disabled athletes, what should sports trainers/coaches be focused on?

Answer 2

Residual function (i.e. what they can do, not what they can’t do)

Question 3

How are disabled athletes categorised?

Answer 3

Lowest category number = most disabled

Question 4

What is the purpose of disabled sport?

Answer 4

Modify the skills and rules only where necessary

Question 5

What are the classifications of amputees?

Answer 5

Single/double and above/below the knee/elbow

Question 6

What are the possible symptoms/side effects associated with training for amputees?

Answer 6

Back soreness (prosthesis wrong length), blistering (rubbing of prosthesis on stump), soft tissue breaks in stump, stump soreness, thermoregulation

Question 7

What is cerebral palsy?

Answer 7

A group of disorders of impaired brain & motor function

Question 8

What percentage of CP athletes have 3 or more disabilities?

Answer 8

88%

Question 9

What is the major disability of CP?

Answer 9

Impaired function of voluntary musculature

Question 10

What are the special problems of CP?

Answer 10

Ataxia (unsteadiness), exhaustion (poor motor efficiency), dehydration, severe muscle cramps, chest infections, sunburn, spasticity, seizures

Question 11

What classes of CP patients often experience chest infections?

Answer 11

Class 1 & 2

Question 12

What is an essential consideration for athletes with intellectual disabilities?

Answer 12

Ensure they understand safety & injury treatment instructions

Question 13

What is atlantoaxial instability?

Answer 13

A genetic condition characterised by malalignment of C1 & C2, allowing the joint to slide more than 5-7%

Question 14

What visual acuity rating is associated with blindness?

Answer 14

<6/60

Question 15

What are the medical problems associated with blindness?

Answer 15

Detached retina (avoid contact sports) & glaucoma (avoid activities that increase blood pressure)

Question 16

How can sports trainers/coaches aid communication with deaf athletes?

Answer 16

Written materials, face athlete when speaking, speak slowly, use a sign interpreter

Question 17

What are the common medical conditions associated with transplants?

Answer 17

Osteoporosis & immune suppression

Question 18

Failure of what two organs is associated with osteoporosis almost 100% of the time?

Answer 18

Kidney and liver

Question 19

What activities should transplantees avoid?

Answer 19

High impact/contact activities, jumping, running

Question 20

Why are blood tests regularly reuiqred for transplantees?

Answer 20

To assess imbalances in blood chemistry, provide indication of infections & early organ rejection

Question 21

What injury is associated with wheelchair athletes?

Answer 21

Loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the spinal cord lesion

Question 22

What does the height of the back of a wheelchair indicate?

Answer 22

Degree of control (high = less control)

Question 23

What are the considerations for wheelchair athletes?

Answer 23

Overheating, poor circulation, calcification of knee & hip, reduced spine flexibility, overdevelopment of pecs & anterior deltoid, UTIs, skin damage

Question 24

What does Les Autres mean?

Answer 24

‘The Others’ - category for all other locomotor disabilities