Injury Prevention Programs

During the 2013-2014 academic year, high school athletes suffered more than 300,000 lower-limb injuries requiring medical attention and suspension of play for at least one day (according to the Colorado School of Public Health Pediatric Injury Prevention, Education and Research Program).

Yet a recent study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport claims that only a mere 10 percent of high school coaches have adopted Injury Prevention Programs (IPP) to reduce these types of injuries.

A solid IPP might include 15 to 20 minutes of stretching and strengthening exercises for hips, legs and thighs, along with jump-training to practice soft landings and minimize impact to the knees. The exercises are meant to be done three to four times a week before a practice or games.

This recent study involved 66 head coaches of basketball and soccer teams at 15 different high schools in Oregon. The online survey gauged their knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding IPPs.

Highlights include:

• 14 coaches reported using one of the IPPs, with six claiming they implemented the IPP exactlly as designed.
• Coaches of girls' teams reported to be more aware of IPPs than coaches of boys' teams.
• Coaches who did not use an IPP said the programs offered no advantage to their current training methods, were not compatible with their needs, or seemed difficult to implement.

Most exercises in an IPP have been developed to decrease serious injuries like ACL/Anterior Cruciate Ligament tears, but they are also helpful in reducing more common ones such as sprains and muscle strains.

Coaches interested in implementing an IPP for their team are encouraged to check with health care providers, such as orthopedic specialists, to learn about what type of program would most benefit their young athletes.

(Adapted from Reuters Health)

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ACL Injuries Aren’t Just Common Among Winter Olympic Hopefuls

 

Everyone’s favorite skier, Lindsey Vonn, will not be among the Sochi Olympic contenders. She had hoped to recover from a knee injury suffered one year earlier for a 2014 run at the gold. But, after aggravating the injury during a preliminary trial, she was required to hang up her skis for the season.

While most of us will never ski to Vonn’s ability, injury on the slopes is common for amateurs, professionals and everyone in between. A knee injury is the most frequently suffered, especially of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—the same issue that kept Vonn sidelined.

How do you make sure you don’t end up in the ER during your winter vacation?

Four Safety Tips When Hitting the Slopes

Maintain fitness and don’t overreach. Be sure you’re in good physical condition when you set out on a ski outing. If you’re out of shape, select ski runs carefully and gradually build your way up to more challenging trails.

Warm up. Research studies have shown that cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warm up with jumping jacks, running or walking in place for 3 to 5 minutes. Take a couple of slow ski runs to complete your warm up.

Hydrate. Even mild levels of dehydration can affect physical ability and endurance. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Know safety rules. Understand and abide by all rules of the ski resort. And know the general safety rules, such as how to stop, merge, and yield to other skiers.

Click here for more tips from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

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