The Athlete

Question 1

what is the role of ATs?

Answer 1

1. AT encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment, and rehab of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions
2. ATs are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care pros who collaborate w/physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehab of injuries and medical conditions

Question 2

how many US youth participate in organized sports?

Answer 2

60 million

27 million between the ages 6-18 years participate in team sports

Question 3

according to WHO how many of the world’s adolescents are insufficiently physically active?

Answer 3

more than 80%

Question 4

how common are overuse injuries in youth and adolescence?

Answer 4

ranges from 45-54%

impact of overuse injuries → burnout, overreaching

increase in specialization adds to his

Question 5

differences between boys and girls among adolescent athletes

Answer 5

adolescent girls suffer overuse injuries at a greater rate than boys

63% vs 40% respectively

among those overuse injuries

• patellofemoral disorders
• LE stress fractures
• ACL injuries/tears

Question 6

can you perform resistance training among youth?

Answer 6

somewhat

bodyweight is allowed

not heavy weight

Question 7

a stronger child is less likely to suffer overuse injuries by ________

Answer 7

up to 66%

• they are better prepared for rigors of sports
• more confident
• better mental health and well-being

Question 8

a child may participate in a structured resistance training program when:

Answer 8

1. emotionally mature enough to follow directions
2. demos proficient levels of balance and postural control (ages 6-7)

Question 9

describe the resistance training program that is most effective in eliciting gains among youth

Answer 9

• 2-3 sets
• 8-15 reps
• loads between 60-80% of 1RM on 6-8 exercises

Question 10

general recommendations based on evidence

Answer 10

1. youth should be given opportunities for free, unstructured play (PE, recess)
   
   1. improved motor skill development
   2. encourage self-regulation to limit risk of overuse injuries
2. youth should be encouraged to participate in a variety of sports during their growing years
   
   1. influences diverse motor skills
   2. helps child ID a sports that the child enjoys
3. children who participate in:
   
   1. more hours of sport per week than their age
   2. for more than 16 hrs per week
   3. who are specialized in sports
   4. should be monitored for indications of burnout

Question 11

describe a Pre-Participation Physical Exam

Answer 11

1. AKA pre-participation screenings, sports screening, sports physicals, medical evals
2. required in all 50 states
3. includes Sports Health Care team
4. minimum of 1x per year, can lead to further testing but not always required

Question 12

PPE stations

Answer 12

1. check-in
2. history
3. vital signs
4. medical exam
5. MSK exam
   
   1. function specific - flexibility, posture, gait, strength
   2. regional - spine, UE, LE
6. performance testing
   
   1. speed, agility, power, endurance, balance
7. body comp
8. maturity assessment
9. sport-specific considerations
10. review, assessment, check-out