Intrinsic Risk Factors Relating to Sporting Injuries

Question 1

List the intrinsic factors that can cause injury

Answer 1

• Poor physical preparation
• Psychological factors
• Posture

Question 2

What is the difference between a ligament and a tendon?

Answer 2

A ligament is a fibrous band that connects bone to bone. Tendons are also fibrous bands but they connect bone to muscles.

Question 3

Define each of the following:

• Muscle imbalance
• Overuse injury
• Flexibility
• Fitness

Answer 3

• When one muscle is more powerful than an opposing one.
• Chronic injuries caused by movement repetition.
• Ability to move joints through a large range of motions.
• Set of qualities relating to a persons ability to perform physical activities.

Question 4

List the individual variables that can influence injury risk.

Answer 4

• Gender
• Age
• Nutrition
• Insufficient sleep

Question 5

1) Why is water essential for reducing intrinsic injury risks?
2) What are vitamins and minerals, why are they important?
3) How does lack of sleep increase risk of injury?

Answer 5

1) Lack of water leads to dehydration, reducing concentration and increasing fatigue.

2) Vitamins are organic substances that are essential for many bodily processes.
Minerals are inorganic substances that are also essential for bodily processes.

3) Decrease in motivation, poor decision making and increased irritability.

Question 6

What are the psychological factors can lead to injury.

Answer 6

Motivation - The drive to do something

Aggression - Intention to cause harm

Arousal - Physical or psychological activation of a performer.

Anxiety - Negative emotional state relating to worry and nervousness.

Question 7

What is posture? List 7 factors that can cause injury due to poor posture.

Answer 7

Posture is the position that the body is held in.
Some posture related factors that can cause injury:
Poor gait
Slouching
Being overweight
Emotional factors such as low self esteem
Poor fitting clothing and footwear
Bad sleeping position
Back problems

Question 8

Define pelvic tilt and name the three different types.

Answer 8

Pelvic tilt is caused by the misalignment of the femur (thigh bone) with the pelvis.

Anterior pelvic tilt causes the pelvis to tilt forward.
Posterior pelvic tilt causes the pelvis to tilt backwards
Lateral pelvic tilt causes the pelvis to tilt to the side

Question 9

Define Lordosis, Kyphosis and Scoliosis.

Answer 9

Lordosis: Excessive curving of the lower back either inwards or outwards.

Kyphosis: Excessive back or outward curvature of the upper back.

Scoliosis: Visible curvature of the spine in a ‘C’ or ‘S’ shape.

Question 10

Lordosis, Kyphosis and Scoliosis can be caused by and made worse by taking part in some physical activities. what sports have the greatest amount of association with each back condition?

Answer 10

Lordosis is common in gymnasts and dancers.

Kyphosis is common in cyclists, cricket wicketkeepers and baseball catchers.

Scoliosis can be caused by skiers, tennis players and discus throwers.