L9 - Risk Assessment and Safety

Question 1

What is informed consent in a pre-exercise evaluation?

Answer 1

It is a legal and ethical requirement that ensures the participant understands the purpose, risks, benefits, and responsibilities before participation.

Question 2

Why is informed consent important before collecting personal information?

Answer 2

It ensures the participant understands the risks, benefits, and their responsibilities, and it allows them to ask questions.

Question 3

What is the purpose of health screening before exercise?

Answer 3

to identify individuals at risk of adverse events, those needing medical clearance, and those who may benefit from supervised exercise programs.

Question 4

Why is assessing current activity levels important in health screening?

Answer 4

It helps determine the individual’s habitual level of physical activity, which is related to their risk of exercise-related events.

Question 5

What medical conditions are typically screened for in a pre-exercise evaluation?

Answer 5

Cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal disease, as well as symptoms related to these conditions.

Question 6

Why is it important to identify individuals who require better control of medical conditions before exercising?

Answer 6

To reduce the risk of exercise-related adverse events such as sudden cardiac death or acute myocardial infarction.

Question 7

What are the risks for individuals with underlying cardiovascular disease who engage in unaccustomed vigorous exercise?

Answer 7

They are at higher risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Question 8

How does habitual physical activity influence the risk of exercise-related cardiac events?

Answer 8

Individuals who are less active regularly have a higher risk of such events when performing vigorous activity.

Question 9

What factors are considered in a health history assessment before exercise?

Answer 9

Intention to engage in physical activity, past physical activity, and activity preferences.

Question 10

What should be asked regarding physical activity in the past week during a health history assessment?

Answer 10

Number of days active and minutes spent in moderate activity or strength-building exercises.

Question 11

Why is it important not to make assumptions about a person’s activity level in a health history assessment?

Answer 11

Assumptions may lead to incorrect conclusions about their readiness or risk factors for exercise.

Question 12

What are some cardiovascular risk factors that need to be analyzed before exercise?

Answer 12

Age, hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, stress, obesity, family history, and medication

Question 13

Why is age considered a cardiovascular risk factor in a pre-exercise evaluation?

Answer 13

As people age, their risk for cardiovascular disease increases, making it a critical factor to assess.

Question 14

How does smoking affect cardiovascular risk before exercise?

Answer 14

Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, increasing the risk of adverse events during exercise.

Question 15

Why is it important to check for a family history of cardiovascular disease in a pre-exercise evaluation?

Answer 15

A family history of cardiovascular disease can indicate a higher genetic predisposition to these conditions.

Question 16

What are some current symptoms that should be checked before exercise?

Answer 16

Chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, leg cramps, and ankle swelling.

Question 17

What does shortness of breath (SOB) indicate in a pre-exercise evaluation?

Answer 17

It may be a sign of underlying cardiovascular or respiratory conditions that need further investigation.

Question 18

What examinations may be conducted before an individual begins exercising?

Answer 18

ECG, blood pressure measurement, exercise stress test, blood glucose, and cholesterol tests.

Question 19

Why is it important to check for oedema before exercise?

Answer 19

Oedema can indicate heart or kidney problems, which may increase the risk of adverse events during exercise.

Question 20

What should be done if a person does not participate in regular exercise and has a disease diagnosis?

Answer 20

Medical clearance should be obtained, and they should start exercising at an appropriate level, with monitoring.

Question 21

Why is medical clearance sometimes required for individuals starting exercise after a period of inactivity?

Answer 21

To ensure it is safe for them to engage in physical activity, particularly if they have underlying conditions.

Question 22

What should be done if someone regularly exercises and develops symptoms during exercise?

Answer 22

They should discontinue exercise and seek medical clearance before continuing.

Question 23

What is the American College of Sports Medicine Participation Screening Algorithm used for?

Answer 23

To guide the evaluation of individuals based on their symptoms, exercise habits, and medical conditions.

Question 24

What steps are recommended for individuals who participate in regular exercise and are symptom-free?

Answer 24

They can continue exercising at an appropriate level and progress as needed, while monitoring for symptoms.

Question 25

What role does stress play as a cardiovascular risk factor?

Answer 25

High stress levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular events, particularly during vigorous exercise.

Question 26

What haemodynamic responses should be monitored pre and post exercise?

Answer 26

Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) should be checked pre and post exercise.

Question 27

What respiratory responses should be monitored pre and post exercise?

Answer 27

Respiratory rate (RR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) should be checked before and after exercise.

Question 28

How should blood glucose be monitored for diabetic patients during exercise?

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

What should you consider in high-risk patient groups during exercise?

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

How can psychological factors impact exercise participation?

Answer 30

Fear of injury, fatigue, and anxiety can limit a person’s willingness or ability to engage in physical activity.

Question 31

What are some task-specific factors to consider in exercise?

Answer 31

The challenges of the task, required energy systems, planes of movement, body segments involved, and sensorimotor requirements.

Question 32

What types of muscle work should be considered during exercise?

Answer 32

Isometric, isotonic (concentric and eccentric) muscle work should be assessed for the activity.

Question 33

What role do acceleration and deceleration play in exercise?

Answer 33

Acceleration and deceleration are crucial for dynamic movement control and should be considered to avoid injury.

Question 34

Why are warm-up and cool-down important?

Answer 34

They raise and lower heart and breathing rates safely, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

Question 35

What is a new or uncontrolled arrhythmia, and why is it an absolute contraindication?

Answer 35

It’s an irregular heartbeat causing palpitations, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, and is dangerous during exercise.

Question 36

What is considered uncontrolled tachycardia in the context of exercise?

Answer 36

A resting heart rate over 100 bpm or an excessively rapid heart rate rise during exercise.

Question 37

What is uncontrolled hypertension, and why is it a contraindication to exercise?

Answer 37

Resting systolic BP over 180 mmHg or diastolic BP over 100 mmHg is considered uncontrolled hypertension, and it poses a high risk during exercise.

Question 38

What are the symptoms of symptomatic hypotension?

Answer 38

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when changing positions or after stopping exercise.

Question 39

Why is unstable angina an absolute contraindication to exercise?

Answer 39

It involves unpredictable chest pain or worsening of known angina, which can lead to severe cardiovascular events.

Question 40

What symptoms suggest unstable or acute heart failure?

Answer 40

Excessive breathlessness, rapid weight gain, swollen ankles, and pitting oedema indicate heart failure, making exercise unsafe.

Question 41

What blood glucose levels indicate unstable diabetes, making exercise unsafe?

Answer 41

Pre-exercise glucose levels >13 mmol/l or repeated hypoglycemia episodes.

Question 42

Why is febrile illness an absolute contraindication for exercise?

Answer 42

Fevers above 38°C indicate an ongoing illness, which can worsen with physical exertion.

Question 43

What are the signs of uncontrolled asthma, and why is it a contraindication?

Answer 43

Severe shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing indicate uncontrolled asthma, which can be exacerbated by exercise.

Question 44

What risks are associated with uncontrolled COPD during exercise?

Answer 44

Worsening symptoms and falling oxygen saturation can occur, making exercise dangerous for those with uncontrolled COPD.

Question 45

Why should individuals with unstable cancer or blood disorders avoid exercise?

Answer 45

When treatment or the disease affects leucocytes, hemoglobin, or platelets, exercise can pose significant risks.

Question 46

What precautions should be taken for patients with osteoporosis or high fracture risk?

Answer 46

Avoid exercises with a high risk of falling or impact that could lead to fractures.

Question 47

What is DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)?

Answer 47

DOMS is muscle soreness and stiffness resulting from microscopic muscle damage, especially after eccentric exercise, peaking 24-72 hours post-exercise.

Question 48

What are the symptoms of DOMS?

Answer 48

Muscle soreness, stiffness, swelling, reduced muscle function, and impaired strength and mobility.

Question 49

How long does DOMS typically last?

Answer 49

Symptoms peak within 24-72 hours and usually subside after 5 days, with full recovery taking up to a week.

Question 50

Why is it important to manage high-risk groups in exercise?

Answer 50

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.