INTRINSIC RISK FACTORS – SPORTS INJURIES S.I.P.P.P INTRINSIC RISK FACTORS – SPORTS INJURIES INTRINSIC Associated with the performer (from inside) “Damage or harm to do or suffered by a person”

Sports injuries related to poor posture Pelvic Tilt – is when the front of the pelvis drops and the back of the pelvis rises. Lordosis -   the lower back curves inwards more than it would naturally do Kyphosis Excessive outward curve of the spine – causing hunching of the back Scoliosis – Twisting of the spine

Individual Variables…

Certain variables… Gender Flexibility Nutrition Sleep Previous/Recurring Injuries

Intrinsic Risk Factors Age Young children most common injuries occur due to falling. Older children the most common injuries result from collisions and violence. Older age groups and top-level sportsmen, there are fewer acute injuries and more overuse (chronic) injuries due to intrinsic factors. Pg 260-262

Intrinsic Risk Factors P Intrinsic Risk Factors Postural Defects Some people are born with postural defects e.g. one leg longer than the other, or their spine having the wrong curvature. = more strain on one side of the body = more susceptible to injuries after long periods of exercise. Postural defects can also occur due to incorrect training techniques over a long period of time.

Posture and causes of poor posture… Poor stance/gait (bending your knees, hunching shoulders when standing) Physical defects – muscles weaken around injured area Lack of exercise - lack of core muscle strength means less support, being overweight puts strain on posture Fatigue – Tired muscles will be unable to support the skeleton properly Emotional factors – low self esteem, low confidence can influence posture Clothing/footwear – Poor shoes, high heels, plimsoles

P Physical Preparation Athletes must prepare in order to perform at an optimal level. If preparation is poor this can lead to injury as well as poor performance.

Intrinsic Risk Factors Poor Preparation Players’ fitness levels specific to sport. Poor fitness = increase risk of injury, as they become tired develop poor sport techniques. Must also acclimatize (train in) to environment in which competition will take place (hot/cold). Pg 260-262

Intrinsic Risk Factors Inadequate warm-up Very common cause of sports injury. Warm-up prepares body & mind for exercise to come. Gradually takes body from non-active state to being ready for exercise. Will vary from person to person, level of fitness, and the environment (cold surroundings = longer warm-up). Pg 260-262

Inadequate warm-up/cool down Intrinsic Risk Factors Inadequate warm-up/cool down 3 components of Warm-up: Get blood flowing more quickly around body to help warm-up muscles to make them more flexible. Mobiliser: joints taken through full range of motion. Main muscles to be used should be stretched. Pg 260-262

Intrinsic Risk Factors Overuse Every time you exercise, you place your body under strain, thus the body needs time to repair itself afterwards. Overuse injury occurs when you don’t give your body enough recovery time. When you don’t rest & allow the body to repair itself, it gets weaker & eventually gets injured. Pg 260-262

Intrinsic Risk Factors Muscle Imbalance One muscle in an antagonistic pair is stronger than the other. Example: footballers who have strong quadriceps muscles, but weak hamstring muscles = knee injuries (when striker goes to score they over-kick which hyperextends knee = injury). Pg 260-262

Intrinsic Risk Factors Poor Technique Related to an individual’s performance without the use of equipment (as opposed to incorrect techniques related to misuse of equipment). Using incorrect technique over a long period of time may lead to injuries. Example: swimming performing free-style incorrectly could be prone to shoulder or elbow injuries. Pg 260-262

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS Motivation - How motivated are you? This can have an impact injury Aggression - Arousal/anxiety levels - Being too aroused or worrying can have an effect

! ! ! PREVENTION ! ! !

Preventative Measures Improving & maintaining fitness. Adequate & appropriate warm-up. Wear protective clothing & appropriate shoes (stipulated by governing bodies). Always remove jewelry. Supervision by suitable qualified coach: Correct techniques. Design appropriate training programs for performers needs. Ensure equipment & environment appropriate for training. Pg 260-262