Participant Safety Flashcards
What is a warning sign?
An objective, observable indicator, such as loss of coordination, blue lips, or heavy coughing.
What is a symptom defined as?
A subjective sensory indicator that a participant feels, such as dizziness or nausea.
What is rhabdomyolysis?
The breakdown of muscle fibers resulting in the release of muscle fiber contents into the circulation. Some of these are toxic to the kidney and frequently result in kidney damage.
What are some signs and symptoms of overexertion?
Nausea, dizziness, loss of strength, poor and/or unsafe form and technique, vomiting, and in extreme cases, rhabdomyolysis.
What is the most obvious sign of fatigue?
Improper exercise technique.
What is tennis elbow?
Pain on the outside of the elbow at the attachment of the forearm muscles, lateral epicondylitis.
What is a sprain?
Tearing or overstretching of a ligament, joint capsule, and/or connective tissue. The ankle and knee are common locations for sprains.
What are some musculoskeletal injuries?
Sprain
Strain
Compound fracture
Contusion
What are the signs and symptoms of a sprain?
Swelling pain, joint instability, joint stiffness, immobility, and possible discoloration.
Should EMS be activated in the case of a sprain?
Possibly, if the person is not able to move to safety and there are no other means to move the person.
What is a strain?
Tearing or overstretching of a muscle or tendon. Shoulder and hamstrings are common locations for strains.
What are some signs and symptoms of a strain?
Swelling, pain, local tenderness, possible discoloration, and loss of strength and ROM.
What is a compound fracture?
Bone fracture resulting in an open wound.
Should EMS be activated in the case of a strain?
Possibly, if the person is not able to move to safety and there are no other means to move the person.
What are signs and symptoms of a compound fracture?
Bony protrusion, bleeding, and possible shock.
Should EMS be activated in the case of a compound fracture?
Yes, especially if there is heavy bleeding.
What is a contusion?
A bruise formed from an acute, traumatic blow to the body.
What are the signs and symptoms of a contusion?
Sort tissue hemorrhage, hematoma, and restricted ROM.
Should EMS be activated in the case of a contusion?
Possibly, if the person sustains a blow to the head or possible internal bleeding.
What are some common chronic musculoskeletal conditions?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendinitis
Bursitis
Plantar fasciitis
Shin Splints (Medial tibial stress syndrome)
Iliotibial (IT) band friction syndrome
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Impingements
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
A painful condition of the hand and fingers caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
What are some signs and symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Numbness and tingling in the hands.
What are some recommended modifications for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Stretch the wrist, fingers and forearm.
Maintain neutral wrist alignment.
Avoid load-bearing wrist flexion and extension.
Change the angle of the wrist flexion based on participant comfort.
What is tendinitis?
Inflammation of a tendon due to overuse.
What are the signs and symptoms of tendinitis?
Tenderness, localized or dispersed pain, and loss of strength.
What are recommended modifications for tendinitis?
When tendons are inflamed, allow time for rest.
Avoid exercises that cause pain
Perform ROM movements at affected joints to maintain mobility.
What is bursitis?
Inflammation of a bursa sac near a tendon or joint.
What are the signs and symptoms of bursitis?
Swelling, pain, and some loss of function.
What are recommended modifications for bursitis?
Avoid performing one movement or activity for extended periods of time.
Progress intensity and load slowly.
Focus on proper posture and ROM.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Inflammation of the plantar surface of the foot.
What are signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Pain and tightness under the foot that may worsen with weight bearing.
What are some recommended modifications for plantar fasciitis?
Avoid high-impact exercises during flare-ups
Stretch the feet and toes before and after exercise.
Strengthening exercises might be suggested by a physician or physical therapist.
What are shin splints?
Pain or inflammation of the soft tissue along the shin bone from repetitive loading.
What are signs and symptoms of shin splints?
Bone and soft-tissue tenderness, and pain during and after activity.
What are recommended modifications for shin splints?
Reduce or avoid high-impact exercises during flare-ups.
What is medial tibial stress syndrome?
The medical term for shin splints.
What is Iliotibial (IT) band friction syndrome?
Inflammatory overuse condition in which the IT band (connective tissue) rubs against the lateral femoral epicondyle (outside of the knee).
What are signs and symptoms of IT band syndrome?
Pain, burning or tightness during running, cycling, or multidirectional movements along the outside of the knee.
What are some recommended modifications for IT band syndrome?
Avoid aggravating activities if pain is present.
Focus on exercises that strengthen the hip and gluteal muscles.
What is Patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Lateral deviation of the patella during knee extension that causes painful contact between the patella and femur.
What are signs and symptoms of Patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Tenderness, pain, swelling and discomfort during activity.
What are some recommended modifications for Patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Avoid exercises that compress the patella against the femur (eg high-impact activities, repetitive stepping, and kneeling, moves with deep knee flexion).
What are impingements?
When a muscle, tendon, or nerve pinches between bony structures, common areas are the shoulder and the spine.
What are signs and symptoms of Impingements?
Local pain and tenderness, burning sensation, loss of range of motion and Mobility, and muscle weakness.
What are some recommended modifications for Impingements?
Avoid exercises that place stress or pressure on the affected area.
Shoulder impingement: Avoid overhead movements, upright rows, and triceps dips.
Recommend the participant rest the affected area and provide alternative movement options.
What is a laceration?
A cut
What is an abrasion?
A scrape
What is avulsion?
A wound involving forcible separation or tearing of tissue from the body.
What are some cardio-respiratory emergencies?
Heart Attack
Exercise-induce bronchoconstriction
Choking
What is a heart attack?
Obstruction or blockage of blood flow to the heart.
What are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack?
Pain in the chest, arms, back, neck, or jaw, labored or difficulty breathing, nausea, anxiety, lightheadedness, sweating, fatigue, and syncope.
What is Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction?
Swelling, inflammation or narrowing of the airways that inhibits breathing.
What are the symptoms of Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction?
Irregular or labored breathing or wheezing, sweating and paleness, excessive throat clearing, coughing for no apparent reason, anxious appearance, and breathing with pursed lips.
Should EMS be activated if a participant experiences Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Yes, if the person is not able to relieve the symptoms with medication and especially if breathing becomes labored or the person loses consciousness.
What are signs and symptoms of choking?
Coughing, loss of speech, pale or blueish skin, and syncope.
Should EMS be activated in case of choking?
Yes, and the EMS can be called off if the object becomes dislodged.
What is a stroke?
A cerebrovascular emergency caused by a lack of blood supply and oxygen to the brain.
What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?
Numbness in the arms, legs or face
Confusion
Trouble speaking
Dizziness
Loss of vision, balance or coordination
Drooping on one side of the face
Loss of Consciousness
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
What is FAST and what does it stand for?
An acronym for recognizing sings/symptoms of a stroke
F - Facial Drooping
A - Arm weakness
S - Speech difficulties
T - Time to call emergency services
Should EMS be activated for a stroke?
Yes
What is a concussion?
Trauma-induced alteration of mental status resulting from a direct blow to the head.
What are some symptoms of a Concussion?
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Loss of consciousness
Loss of orientation
Nausea
Memory problems
Sensitivity to noise and light
Seeing stars
Ringing in the ears
Vomiting
Should EMS be activated for a concussion?
Yes, if loses of consciousness occurs.
What is a seizure?
Changes in brain activity that can cause mild to severs convulsions.
What are signs and symptoms of a seizure?
Convulsions
Syncope
Loss of coordination
Clenching of the jaw
Loss of bladder and/or bowel function.
Should EMS be activated for a seizure?
Yes.
What are some strategies for preventing common injuries in group fitness environments?
Prevent injury by planning/delivering safe exercise classes.
Ensure the environment is free of potential hazards.
Provide regressions and adaptations for participants with limitations.
Address acute injuries that may occur during a class.
What are some intrinsic risk factors in group fitness classes?
Pre-existing injuries, ailments and conditions.
Body composition above or below recommended levels.
Deconditioned participants
Strength or flexibility imbalances.
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding pre-existing injuries, ailments and conditions?
Increase duration of warm-up and cool-down
Regressions to ROM, intensity complexity and duration.
Offer exercises that do not involve affected body part.
*Participants with known cardiovascular, metabolic or renal disease should receive medical clearance prior to increasing activity levels or intensity.
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding participants with body composition above or below recommended limits?
Suggest lower-impact exercises.
Demonstrate basic movements before progressing intensity and complexity.
Watch for eating disorders or exercise addiction.
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding deconditioned participants?
Increase the duration of warm-up and cool-down
Provide options for fewer repetitions and sets, and shorter exercise bouts.
Provide RPE recommendations periodically so participants can learn to self monitor.
Offer frequent breaks and active recovery opportunities.
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding strength or flexibility imbalances in participants?
Limit ROM by reducing the amount of joint movements required.
Begin with dynamic flexibility movements and end with static stretches.
Offer props such as yoga blocks, bolsters, and stretch straps.
Help participants distinguish between pain and discomfort.
What are some extrinsic risk factors in group fitness?
Complexity, intensity, speed and type of movement.
Number of repetitions and sets
Surface
Footwear
Fatigue
Equipment
Climate/temperature
Air quality
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding complexity, intensity, speed, and type of movement?
Allow participants to master the foundational exercise before advancing to more complexity.
Demonstrate the foundational layers first and then provide advanced progressions.
Perform and model the exercise variation that would best suit beginners and deconditioned individuals.
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding the number of repetitions and sets?
Create a balanced class that takes into account muscular balance and appropriate repetition, set, and rest schemes.
Avoid an excessive number of repetitions.
When performing core-supported exercises (e.g. planks) provide frequent breaks from maintaining the posture.
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding class surfaces?
Consider adapting the class plan based on the floor surface.
Perform lateral movements cautiously on carpet or uneven surfaces.
Reduce high-impact activities on hard surfaces.
Provide appropriate progression opportunities when using stability tools - always provide a stable, solid surface option.
Ensure the surface is free of slip or trip hazards.
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding footwear?
Recommend cross-training shoes for group fitness.
For dance classes, participants should wear shoes with lateral support and minimum treat to avoid friction during turns.
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding fatigue?
Suggest hydration breaks.
Create active recovery opportunities by targeting different energy systems.
Be aware of signs of fatigue.
Reduce the intensity or discontinue the activity for the day when signs of fatigue are present.
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding equipment?
Use equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not utilize homemade equipment for public use.
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding climate/temperature?
Recommend athletic clothing based on the environment.
Exercise indoors days with extreme temperatures/humidity.
Understand contraindications of exercising in hot, humid environments.
Encourage frequent fluid intake and extend the warm-up and cool-down periods.
What are some preventative measures/courses of action that group fitness instructors can take regarding air quality?
Avoid outdoor exercise on high alert days.
What should a GFI do if they suspect a participant has an eating disorder or exercise addiction?
Approach the participant with empathy and provide professional guidance about healthy exercise habits and body weight and refer them to a healthcare provider.
What are some warning signs of fatigue?
Improper form
reduced coordination, balance and acuity.
What are some ways a GFI can prevent and manage injuries while staying within the scope of practice for a GFI?
Format specific warm-up and cool-down
Monitor exercise space to ensure safe participation.
Limit motion and stretching to a pain-free range/intensity.
Gradually increase intensity during conditioning.
Focus on technique and proper form.
Assess the appropriateness of jumping.
Load closed-kinetic-chain exercises according to tolerance of the joints.
Avoid extreme ranges of motion.
Avoid excessive flexion for knee injuries.
Provide modifications for overhead activities.
Check equipment for proper fit.
What are some modifications for overhead activities?
Avoid full extension of arms.
Position the shoulder more toward the front of the body,
What are some steps that a facility can take to minimize the risk of injuries relating to policies and procedures?
Fitness staff should hold current certifications in their specialty areas.
Record and track all employees’ CPR, AED, first aid and fitness certification information.
Many states require one AED on premises.
Screen new members to see if require medical clearance.
Have a method of notifying participants about the risk of injury - eg informed consent forms.
What are some ways a fitness center can minimize risks for participants?
Adequate staffing and supervision.
Cleanliness to minimize risks of disease/infection.
Clear walkways/pathways to emergency exits.
Adequate ventilation and air movement.
Hand sanitizer stations.
Adequate lighting.
Nonslip surfaces around showers/pools
Caution signs for wet floors/hazards
Regular maintenance and repair of equipment.
A clean drinking water supply.
Fire/smoke alarms installed.
Limiting number of people to avoid overcrowding.
First-aid kits in convenient locations.
Phones that can be easily accessed/emergency numbers.
Establishing/practicing emergency action plan.
What is RICE?
An acronym for a common early-intervention strategy for many acute injuries.
What does RICE stand for?
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
What information should be included in an accident/incident report at a fitness facility?
Date, date, and time of incident.
Location of incident.
Person(s) involved in the incident.
Witnesses to the incident.
Staff responding to the incident.
Details of incident.
Actions taken by staff.
Outcomes of the incident.
May be helpful to file a class outline/lesson plan with report.
