1. HSC PDHPE – CQ2 DP2
CQ2 – How does sports medicine address the demands of specific athletes?

2. How does sports medicine address the demands of specific athletes?
Students learn about:
Students learn to:
adult and aged athletes
heart conditions
fractures/bone density
flexibility/joint mobility
explain the sports participation options available for aged people with medical conditions

3. 2. adult and aged athletes

4. adult and aged athletes
Exercise and play are important parts of a child’s physical, mental and social development. Children and young people obtain the following benefits from participating in physical activity:
Enjoyment
increased strength
social interaction
development of self-esteem
improved motor and communication skills
promotion of physical activity into adulthood.
greater aerobic fitness
improved coordination

5. adult and aged athletes
As Australia’s population continues to age, coaches need to the address the specific needs of adult and aged athletes, enabling these athletes to participate safely in physical activity.
Adult and aged athletes can continue being physically active throughout their life span, providing due care is taken.
Research suggests that physical activity for older people increases muscle capacity, stamina, balance, joint mobility, flexibility, agility and overall physical coordination. Regular vigorous exercise decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

6. adult and aged athletes
However, it is important to seek medical clearance before any aged person participates in physical activity, particularly if they have not been active for a long period of time.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that regular physical activity has been shown to improve the functional status and quality of life of older adults. It is recommended that, if appropriate, older adults should engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, 5 days per week.

7. adult and aged athletes
Coaches need to consider the following guidelines for adult and aged athletes:
Assess the medical history of an older athlete.
Evaluate the reasons why the athlete is participating in the sport.
Ensure longer warm-up and cool-down sessions.
Monitor and adjust intensity levels for workout sessions.
Provide longer recovery periods after each activity.
Encourage athletes to continually improve their fitness levels safely.

8. adult and aged athletes
Important consideration must be given to the reasons for adults and older people continuing to play sports and maintain physical activity. Medical conditions associated with ageing also need to be considered, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, cancers, mental disorders, osteoarthritis (deterioration of joints), osteoporosis (brittle bones) and vision and hearing problems. These can reduce physical activity, and a reduction in physical activity complicates the normal process of ageing.
As a result of the ageing process, the ability to function efficiently decreases. This decrease might be due to disuse, medical conditions or simply ‘wear and tear’ on the body. Exercise programs aimed at developing strength, aerobic capacity, flexibility and coordination can improve the ability to function efficiently. This might not make people live longer, but it improves their quality of life and independence.

9. adult and aged athletes

10. adult and aged athletes
The Australian Government, in conjunction with Sports Medicine Australia, in 2005 produced a document entitled ‘Choose Health: Be Active’ that is a physical activity guide for older Australians.

11. heart conditions

12. heart conditions
As we age, our cardiovascular system becomes less efficient and this leads to a decreased ability to carry oxygen.
Problems can include a weaker heart, narrowed and less elastic blood vessels, and high blood pressure. The lungs are also less elastic, which makes breathing harder.

13. heart conditions
Participants in aerobic events are therefore those most affected by heart problems.
Older athletes should avoid strenuous exercise and should exercise at approximately 60– 75% of their maximum heart rate.
Older athletes become fatigued more easily, and take longer to recover, to travel over set distances and to perform tasks.
Adequate time and consideration must be given when coaching. A wide variety of physical activities are suitable as they do not place excessive stress on the cardiovascular system. They include walking, cycling, golf and bowls.

14. Fractures / bone density

15. Fractures / bone density
Bones that are more brittle and less dense will fracture more easily as a result of falls, impact from other people or objects or even sudden muscle contractions. Stress fractures are also common among athletes with reduced calcium, especially those women who are amenorrhoeic or have low oestrogen levels.
Particular care should be taken with older females in avoiding contact sports and situations that involve sudden changes in direction. Bone development relies on physical activity, thus strength training (resistance training) should be an important consideration.

16. Flexibility / Joint Mobility

17. Flexibility / Joint Mobility
Flexibility decreases with age because of a loss in elasticity of tendons, ligaments and muscles. Effort should be made to keep joints supple and flexible so that the full range of motion is possible and so that tasks can be performed efficiently and effectively. Regular, gentle and slow stretching can achieve this.
Participation in activities such as yoga and tai chi can also assist in maintaining flexibility. Swimming or exercise in an aquatic environment, such as aqua aerobics, is ideal for maintaining joint mobility. It also allows light stretching to be done in a non-weight-bearing environment.
It is important for older athletes to maintain flexibility to assist with being mobile.