Injury Prevention

Question 1

what is screening and how does it prevent injuries?

Answer 1

• test/qestions to identify any problems
• can identify musculoskeletal injuries prior to performance
• electrocardiogram - assess/monitor heart
• assesses muscle imbalances, core strength, range of movement, postural alignment, mobility
• detected problems worked on by strength + conditioning coaches
• can cause anxiety amongst performers or identify a probelm that doesnt exist or miss a problem
• not 100% accurate

Question 2

what is protective equipment and how does it prevent injuries?

Answer 2

• creates protective barrier between performer and object
• football: ankle/shin pads
• rugby: scrum cap, gum shield, body armour

Question 3

what is a warm up and how does it prevent injuries?

Answer 3

• includes general pulse raiser, stretching and sport specific drills
• rasies body’s muscle temperature
• blood flow increases increasing amount of O2 and nutrients to muscles
• increased elasticity of muscles
• joints + tendons prepare for strenuous activity
• HR increases
• respiratory rate increases

Question 4

how does flexibility training prevent injuries?

Answer 4

• ballistic: using swinging and bouncing movements
• active: when stretced position is held by the contraction of the agonist muscle
• passive: use of external force to help stretched position
• static: when a muscle is held in stationary position for 10s or more

Question 5

how does taping and bracing prevent injuries?

Answer 5

• weak joints are supported and made more stable
• stops further injury and allows for rehabilitation to begin
• kinesiology tape is used on muscles as it has less flexibility
• bracing is more substantial and involves hinged support
• extra stability

Question 6

What other techniques can be used to prevent injuries?

Answer 6

• hydration: drink plenty of fluids before, during and after games
• appropriate strength and conditioning training programmes - maintains fitness in off season
• use good form and technique
• cool down after with gentle sustained stretches
• allow adequate recovery time between sessions
• cryotherapy/ice baths
• massages