Unit 1 – The Human Body in Motion AREA OF STUDY 1 - HOW DOES THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM WORK TO PRODUCE MOVEMENT?
Unit 1 – The Human Body in Motion
AREA OF STUDY 1 - HOW DOES THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM WORK TO PRODUCE MOVEMENT?
Acute and Chronic Injuries of the Musculoskeletal System
AREA OF STUDY 1 - HOW DOES THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM WORK TO PRODUCE MOVEMENT?
Musculoskeletal Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are trauma or overuse injuries that occur due to participation in sport or exercise.
They can be the result of:- an accident
poor fitness and training
poor technique
improper equipment or facilities
inadequate warm up
overuse
The immediate and long term cost of sports related injuries include:- health care costs for treatment time lost to employment, school and
home activities time lost to future sporting activities physical, psychological or emotional
damage equipment and program costs for
rehabilitation and prevention
According to the Australian Injury Hospitalisations 2011-12 report the sports that account for the largest number of cases are:- 1. Australian Rules Football 2. Soccer 3. Cycling 4. Wheeled motor sports 5. Water sports 6. Rugby 7. Roller sports 8. Equestrian activities 9. Basketball 10. Netball
Musculoskeletal Sports Injuries
Nature of Musculoskeletal Injuries
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000 18,000 20,000
Fracture
Soft Tissue Injury
Dislocation
Open Wound
Intracranial
Internal Organ
Nature of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Incidence in ‘000 Australian Sports Injuries Hospitalisations 2011-12 -Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2014
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000
Knee and Lower LegHead
Wrist and HandElbow and Forearm
Shoulder and Upper ArmTrunk
Ankle and FootNeck
Hip and Thigh
Location of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Location of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Incidence in ‘000 Australian Sports Injuries Hospitalisations 2011-12- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2014
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000
Fall
Unspecified
Contact wirh Another Person
Overexertion
Contact with Sports Equipment
Cause of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Cause of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Incidence in ‘000 Australian Sports Injuries Hospitalisations 2011-12 -Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2014
Types of Sports Injuries - Acute
Acute injuries occur suddenly during physical activity. e.g. torn hamstring / rolled ankle / corked
thigh. Signs of acute injury include:-
severe pain and tenderness swelling possible disfiguration restricted movement inability to bear weight obvious bleeding or bruising
Types of Sports Injuries - Direct
Direct injuries are caused by external force such as:- players playing surface sticks balls
Direct injuries can include:- dislocations concussions bruises fractures cuts
Types of Sports Injuries - Indirect
Indirect injuries are caused by un-natural muscle actions and extreme forces on joints. For example:- overstretching sudden change in intensity sudden change in direction
Indirect injuries can include:- muscle tendon strains ligament sprains
Types of Sports Injuries - Overuse
Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive or unaccustomed use of muscle, tendon or bone. For example:- too much repetition sudden increase in training loads insufficient recovery times poor footwear / hard surfaces
Overuse injuries can result in:- tendonitis stress fractures
Acute Injuries - Strains
Strains – overstretching or tearing a muscle or tendon.
Caused by:- sudden contraction sudden overstretch muscle imbalance poor warm up poor flexibility poor technique
Acute Injuries - Sprains
Sprains – joint injury where a ligament is overstretched or torn.
Caused by:- twist fall unbalanced landing direct blow
Acute Injuries - Bruise
Bruise or “Cork” – a haematomathat is the result of direct contact.
Caused by collision with:- opponent stick ball playing surface
Treatment of Soft Tissue Injuries
Acute injuries are graded according to severity and include:- Grade I – some fibres are torn and the
site is moderately painful and swollen, but function and strength are mostly unaffected.
Grade II – many fibres are torn and the site is painful and swollen, with some loss of function and strength.
Grade III – the soft tissue is totally torn, with considerable loss of function and strength. Grade III injuries often need surgical repair.
Immediate treatment of acute sprains and strains:-
RICER protocol – rest, ice, compression, elevation and referral. RICE protocol should be followed for 48–72 hours.
The aim is to reduce the bleeding and damage within the joint.
The No HARM protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running or activity, and no massage. This will ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area.
Acute Injuries - Fracture
Fracture – a cracked or broken bone. Caused by excessive external or
internal force : twist fall direct blow sudden contraction
Acute Injuries - Dislocation
Dislocation – when a joint is forced beyond its limits and the bones are separated.
Usually involves accompanying ligament damage.
Caused by excessive force : twist fall direct blow
Treatment of Fractures and Dislocations
A fracture is termed:- closed where there is no break of the
skin open where the bone end has broken
the skin or a wound is present with the fracture.
The fractured or dislocated part should not be moved and first aid should be confined to providing soft padding and support in the position chosen by the patient.
Treatment of fractures and dislocations:- 1. Control any bleeding
Apply pressure
Apply padding around wound
2. Immobilise the injured part Reduce the pain and the risk of further injury by
supporting and immobilising the injured area.
Apply RICER protocol
3. Make the patient comfortable Help the patient into the position of greatest
comfort without any unnecessary movement.
4. Seek medical assistance
Chronic Injuries
Chronic Injuries occur slowly due to a period of prolonged overuse.
Examples of chronic injuries are:- tendonitis osteitis pubis shin splints stress fractures
Signs of chronic injuries include:- pain when exercising Inflammation dull ache at rest
Chronic Injuries - Tendonitis
Tendonitis – is inflammation of a tendon. Tendonitis can be caused by:-
repetitive joint actions insufficient recovery times poor technique inadequate strength inadequate flexibility poor equipment / facilities
Achilles tendonitis
Chronic Injuries – Osteitis Pubis
Osteitis Pubis – inflammation of the pubic symphisis due to excessive muscle pull on the pubic bone.
Osteitis pubis can be caused by:- excessive groin strain excessive training loads poor running technique poor footwear inadequate flexibility muscle imbalance (hip adductors &
abdominals)Osteitis pubis
Chronic Injuries – Shin Splints
Shin Splints – inflammation and pain along the shin area.
Shin splints can be caused by:- large running loads insufficient recovery times poor running technique poor footwear running on hard surfaces flat feet muscle imbalance (anterior & posterior
muscles of the leg)
Shin Splints
Chronic Injuries – Stress Fractures
Stress Fractures – occurs when a bone is subjected to repeated or heavy training loads causing tiny cracks or fractures.
More than 50% of stress fractures are in the lower leg.
Stress fractures can be caused by:- hard surfaces poor equipment (runners) sudden increase in training poor nutrition
Shins
Feet
Chronic Injuries – Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis – is inflammation of the plantar fascia - a thick, fibrous ligament that runs under the foot from the heel bone to the toes.
The plantar fascia is very limited in its capacity to stretch and when too much traction is placed on it micro-tearing will occur, resulting in irritation, inflammation and pain.
The main causes of plantar fasciitis include:- overuse unsupportive footwear over pronation Heel pain is a common
symptom of Plantar Fasciitis.
Chronic Injuries – Compartment Syndrome
Compartment Syndrome – is a condition in which pressure increases within a muscle "compartment" of the lower leg, cutting off blood supply to the area and causing swelling and pain.
The condition is aggravated through running as there is no room for expansion to accommodate the increased blood supply to the lower leg and the resultant lack of oxygen produces pain and forces the runner to stop.
In runners, compartment syndrome is due to overuse and the result of repetitive stress.
The lower leg is divided into compartments surrounded by tight
fibrous fascia.
Chronic Back Pain
Chronic Back Pain – damage or irritation to the complex network of spinal muscles, nerves, bones, discs or tendons can result in acute pain or referred pain.
Causes of chronic back pain include:- repetitive impact (e.g. running) a twisting motion (e.g. golf) a weight loading at the end of a range-of-motion
(e.g. weightlifting)
Up to 20% of all injuries that occur in sports
involve an injury to the lower back.
Treatments for over use injuries include:- cutting back the intensity, duration, and
frequency of an activity
adopting a hard/easy workout schedule and cross-training with other activities to maintain fitness levels
learning about proper training and technique from a coach or athletic trainer
performing proper warm-up activities before and after
using ice after an activity for minor aches and pain
using anti-inflammatory medications as necessary
If symptoms persist, a sports medicine specialist should be consulted.
A sports medicine specialist will:-
conduct a review of the training program and loads.
evaluate any predisposing factors. suggest a structured treatment plan that
could include:- physiotherapy and joint manipulation
anti-inflammatory injections
accupuncture
trigger-point massage
rest
Chronic Injuries – Treatment
Arthritis - Types
Rheumatoid Arthritis - occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the synovium ( a soft tissue in your joints that produces a fluid that nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the joints ) leading to destruction of bone and cartilage.
Osteo Arthritis - caused by a reduction in the normal amount of cartilage tissue as a result of wear and tear, injury or infection.
Arthritis – Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of arthritis include:- joint pain stiffness swelling reduced range of motion severe rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint
deformity
Treatment options include:- medication analgesics - effective for pain management nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help
control pain and inflammation joint replacement joint fusion physical therapy involving exercises that
help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint is a core component of arthritis treatment.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis – is a progressive bone disease that reduces bone density, weakening bone structure and increasing the incidence of bone damage.
Causes of osteoporosis include:- ageing lack of calcium in diet physical inactivity hormone imbalance long-term use of corticosteroid medications
Osteoporosis - Prevention
Steps both men and women can take from a young age to prevent osteoporosis include : an adequate intake of calcium in the diet appropriate levels of vitamin D absorption and
intake participation in weight bearing exercise – can
increase bone mineral density Treatment options include:-
undertaking activities that promote muscle strength, balance and coordination to reduce fall risk
medications to improve calcium absorption, balance hormone levels or slow down bone degeneration
Physiological Strategies to Prevent Injuries of the Musculoskeletal System
AREA OF STUDY 1 - HOW DOES THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM WORK TO PRODUCE MOVEMENT
Physiological Strategies to Prevent Injuries –Physical Preparation
To be physically prepared for competition an athlete’s physical fitness needs to be at a level that can manage the demands of the competition.
Physical fitness helps reduce injuries in sport and is specific to the sport.
A reduction in the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries can achieved through incorporating the following training methods:- Core stability training
promotes the use of proper form and mechanics
promotes proper coordination of the key muscles used to support the spinal column.
Resistance training reduces the risk for musculoskeletal injuries
reduces the severity of such injury
Physiological adaptations achieved as a result of resistance training on the following enhances protection against injury:- effect on bone - resistance training is beneficial for
increasing bone strength and has a positive influence on bone mineral content.
effect on muscle – maintains or improves functional capacity of muscles and reduces the risks related to muscle imbalance.
effect on connective tissue - increases in muscle mass result in increases in the size and strength of the connective tissue resulting in greater body stability.
Physiological Strategies to Prevent Injuries –Physical Preparation
Flexibility training improved flexibility decreases the risk of activity based
injuries through:- helping joints move through their full range of motion
allowing muscles to work most effectively
reducing muscle imbalances
Physiological Strategies to Prevent Injuries –Physical Preparation
Physiological Strategies to Prevent Injuries -Warm Up – Cool Down
Warm ups reduce injury risk through:- increased circulation raised body temperature increased range of motion simulating of sporting movements providing psychological readiness
Cool downs will aid recovery by:- removing waste products replenishing fuels preventing blood pooling limiting stiffness
Physiological Strategies to Prevent Injuries -Hydration
Small amounts of dehydration will reduce sporting performance and increase injury risks.
Heat and hydration policies should be implemented by all sporting organisations.
Athletes need to : be adequately hydrated prior drink during participation rehydrate after performance
Physical Aids to Prevent Injuries of the Musculoskeletal System
AREA OF STUDY 1 - HOW DOES THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM WORK TO PRODUCE MOVEMENT
Physical Aids to Prevent Injury –Protective Equipment
Protective equipment must be worn when mandated or deemed appropriate.
Protective equipment must:- fit correctly be worn properly be checked regularly and maintained be replaced when necessary
Examples of protective equipment include:- helmets mouthguards pads / protectors
Physical Aids to Prevent Injury –Taping and Braces
The taping of joints or the wearing of sports braces will provide:- extra support added stability minimise the effects of an injury
Physical Aids to Prevent Injury –Footwear and Clothing
Footwear needs to:- fit correctly provide adequate support provide adequate cushioning provide adequate grip
Clothing needs to:- fit properly protect from the environment (heat/sun/cold/wind)
Preventative Measures –Physical Environment
To ensure the physical environment is safe the following should be considered:- provision of padding and mats establish safety of environment prior to training or
competition report and remove hazards check weather conditions complete grounds report
Revision Questions
Explain how the following PHYSIOLOGICAL STRATEGIES can help reduce the risks of sporting injuries :
Warm up –Prepare the athlete physically and mentally and by introducing movement patterns, intensities and sporting actions prior to training or competition the body is better prepared for the upcoming loads. An increase in muscle temp. also allows effective muscle elasticity, joint motion and muscle contractions to occur with less risk of injury. Cool down –Reduce DOMS, dissipate wastes, restore the body to rest, allow improved recovery so that the athlete is in good shape for ongoing training loads. An active cool down also promotes improved flexibility.
Why is it important to allow adequate recovery times when trying to minimise the chance of an overuse injury ?
Adequate recovery times limit the risk of injury by permitting the body to recover from exercise intensities and loads and by allowing the body to adapt physiologically without the presence of
ongoing stress or load. During recovery the body strengthens bone, ligaments and muscle. If training sessions are too close together the physiological adaptations cannot occur properly and the new exercise loads will increase the risk of overuse injuries. What is osteoporosis ?
Loss of bone density and therefore bone strength. How can osteoporosis be prevented ?
Regular weight bearing activity, resistance training, calcium intake, vitamin D, no smoking.