L9 - Risk Assessment and Safety Flashcards
What is informed consent in a pre-exercise evaluation?
It is a legal and ethical requirement that ensures the participant understands the purpose, risks, benefits, and responsibilities before participation.
Why is informed consent important before collecting personal information?
It ensures the participant understands the risks, benefits, and their responsibilities, and it allows them to ask questions.
What is the purpose of health screening before exercise?
to identify individuals at risk of adverse events, those needing medical clearance, and those who may benefit from supervised exercise programs.
Why is assessing current activity levels important in health screening?
It helps determine the individual’s habitual level of physical activity, which is related to their risk of exercise-related events.
What medical conditions are typically screened for in a pre-exercise evaluation?
Cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal disease, as well as symptoms related to these conditions.
Why is it important to identify individuals who require better control of medical conditions before exercising?
To reduce the risk of exercise-related adverse events such as sudden cardiac death or acute myocardial infarction.
What are the risks for individuals with underlying cardiovascular disease who engage in unaccustomed vigorous exercise?
They are at higher risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
How does habitual physical activity influence the risk of exercise-related cardiac events?
Individuals who are less active regularly have a higher risk of such events when performing vigorous activity.
What factors are considered in a health history assessment before exercise?
Intention to engage in physical activity, past physical activity, and activity preferences.
What should be asked regarding physical activity in the past week during a health history assessment?
Number of days active and minutes spent in moderate activity or strength-building exercises.
Why is it important not to make assumptions about a person’s activity level in a health history assessment?
Assumptions may lead to incorrect conclusions about their readiness or risk factors for exercise.
What are some cardiovascular risk factors that need to be analyzed before exercise?
Age, hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, stress, obesity, family history, and medication
Why is age considered a cardiovascular risk factor in a pre-exercise evaluation?
As people age, their risk for cardiovascular disease increases, making it a critical factor to assess.
How does smoking affect cardiovascular risk before exercise?
Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, increasing the risk of adverse events during exercise.
Why is it important to check for a family history of cardiovascular disease in a pre-exercise evaluation?
A family history of cardiovascular disease can indicate a higher genetic predisposition to these conditions.
What are some current symptoms that should be checked before exercise?
Chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, leg cramps, and ankle swelling.
What does shortness of breath (SOB) indicate in a pre-exercise evaluation?
It may be a sign of underlying cardiovascular or respiratory conditions that need further investigation.
What examinations may be conducted before an individual begins exercising?
ECG, blood pressure measurement, exercise stress test, blood glucose, and cholesterol tests.
Why is it important to check for oedema before exercise?
Oedema can indicate heart or kidney problems, which may increase the risk of adverse events during exercise.
What should be done if a person does not participate in regular exercise and has a disease diagnosis?
Medical clearance should be obtained, and they should start exercising at an appropriate level, with monitoring.
Why is medical clearance sometimes required for individuals starting exercise after a period of inactivity?
To ensure it is safe for them to engage in physical activity, particularly if they have underlying conditions.
What should be done if someone regularly exercises and develops symptoms during exercise?
They should discontinue exercise and seek medical clearance before continuing.
What is the American College of Sports Medicine Participation Screening Algorithm used for?
To guide the evaluation of individuals based on their symptoms, exercise habits, and medical conditions.
What steps are recommended for individuals who participate in regular exercise and are symptom-free?
They can continue exercising at an appropriate level and progress as needed, while monitoring for symptoms.
What role does stress play as a cardiovascular risk factor?
High stress levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular events, particularly during vigorous exercise.
What haemodynamic responses should be monitored pre and post exercise?
Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) should be checked pre and post exercise.
What respiratory responses should be monitored pre and post exercise?
Respiratory rate (RR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) should be checked before and after exercise.
How should blood glucose be monitored for diabetic patients during exercise?
Check levels 30 minutes and immediately before exercise, and every 30 minutes during exercise for those new to it. Post-exercise, check twice to avoid hypoglycemia.
What should you consider in high-risk patient groups during exercise?
They may have comorbidities, increased risk of heat exhaustion or dehydration, hypoglycemic episodes, physical movement restrictions, and may require specialist equipment or an appropriate environment.
How can psychological factors impact exercise participation?
Fear of injury, fatigue, and anxiety can limit a person’s willingness or ability to engage in physical activity.
What are some task-specific factors to consider in exercise?
The challenges of the task, required energy systems, planes of movement, body segments involved, and sensorimotor requirements.
What types of muscle work should be considered during exercise?
Isometric, isotonic (concentric and eccentric) muscle work should be assessed for the activity.
What role do acceleration and deceleration play in exercise?
Acceleration and deceleration are crucial for dynamic movement control and should be considered to avoid injury.
Why are warm-up and cool-down important?
They raise and lower heart and breathing rates safely, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
What is a new or uncontrolled arrhythmia, and why is it an absolute contraindication?
It’s an irregular heartbeat causing palpitations, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, and is dangerous during exercise.
What is considered uncontrolled tachycardia in the context of exercise?
A resting heart rate over 100 bpm or an excessively rapid heart rate rise during exercise.
What is uncontrolled hypertension, and why is it a contraindication to exercise?
Resting systolic BP over 180 mmHg or diastolic BP over 100 mmHg is considered uncontrolled hypertension, and it poses a high risk during exercise.
What are the symptoms of symptomatic hypotension?
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when changing positions or after stopping exercise.
Why is unstable angina an absolute contraindication to exercise?
It involves unpredictable chest pain or worsening of known angina, which can lead to severe cardiovascular events.
What symptoms suggest unstable or acute heart failure?
Excessive breathlessness, rapid weight gain, swollen ankles, and pitting oedema indicate heart failure, making exercise unsafe.
What blood glucose levels indicate unstable diabetes, making exercise unsafe?
Pre-exercise glucose levels >13 mmol/l or repeated hypoglycemia episodes.
Why is febrile illness an absolute contraindication for exercise?
Fevers above 38°C indicate an ongoing illness, which can worsen with physical exertion.
What are the signs of uncontrolled asthma, and why is it a contraindication?
Severe shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing indicate uncontrolled asthma, which can be exacerbated by exercise.
What risks are associated with uncontrolled COPD during exercise?
Worsening symptoms and falling oxygen saturation can occur, making exercise dangerous for those with uncontrolled COPD.
Why should individuals with unstable cancer or blood disorders avoid exercise?
When treatment or the disease affects leucocytes, hemoglobin, or platelets, exercise can pose significant risks.
What precautions should be taken for patients with osteoporosis or high fracture risk?
Avoid exercises with a high risk of falling or impact that could lead to fractures.
What is DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)?
DOMS is muscle soreness and stiffness resulting from microscopic muscle damage, especially after eccentric exercise, peaking 24-72 hours post-exercise.
What are the symptoms of DOMS?
Muscle soreness, stiffness, swelling, reduced muscle function, and impaired strength and mobility.
How long does DOMS typically last?
Symptoms peak within 24-72 hours and usually subside after 5 days, with full recovery taking up to a week.
Why is it important to manage high-risk groups in exercise?
High-risk groups, such as those with cardiovascular or metabolic issues, may have increased risks, but the benefits of exercise often outweigh the risks if managed properly.
