Skeletal System

Question 1

Assess positives of training on the skeletal system that a coach should be aware of when training young athletes.

Answer 1

Increased bone density, strengthening bones to prevent injury
Increased calcium deposits in the bones
Increased muscle tone, improves posture
Greater ability to absorb shock, reducing the risk of injury

Question 2

Assess negative effects of training on the skeletal system that a coach should be aware of when training young athletes.

Answer 2

Getting injury can limit/stop young athlete from participating in physical activity
Increased risk of overuse or chronic injury
Tendonitis from continuously training from young age
Young athletes could develop shin splints or Osgood Schlatter’s disease, preventing them from participating in physical activity

Question 3

Discuss the positive impact on the skeletal and muscular systems for an adult who participates regularly in sport

Answer 3

Improved protection to physical stress
Reduce friction within the joint
High impact activities can have positive impact on joints and muscular system
Increased strength of muscle
Improved flexibility, maintains joint stability & mobility

Question 4

Prolonged exposure to training causes structural and physiological adaptations to occur which allow endurance athletes to perform better.
Identify and describe two adaptations to each of the cardiovascular systems resulting from endurance training

Answer 4

Increased vascularisation.
Increased RBC count, improving body’s ability to transport O2 to muscles
Cardiac hypertrophy, resulting in thicker stronger walls & increases in heart volumes

Question 5

Discuss the effects on the skeletal system a coach should be aware of when working with young athletes and how this influences the coaching methods used.

Answer 5

Positive:
Increased bone density, strengthens bones to prevent injury
Increased stability of joints to prevent dislocations through strengthened ligaments, tendons & muscle
Greater ability to absorb shocks when landing or falling

Negative:
Young athletes may suffer from overuse injuries due to too much activity of wrong type, e.g. Osgood Schlatter’s disease or shin splints
Increased chance of damage to articular cartilage
Young female athletes may experience problems with hormonal levels - low estrogen production decreases bone density & could delay onset of menstruation

Coach:
Minimise risk of injury or long term damage to young athlete
Allow appropriate time for rest & recovery
Apply appropriate progression & overload