A recent research study conducted by a group of researchers from Edinburgh University, Scotland has reiterated the fact that energy drinks help athletes improve their sports endurance and levels of performance. The study found that taking energy drinks before and during exercise helped the athletes play in games for longer than the others who did not consume the drinks.
There is a rapid increase in the number of people working to improve their overall physical fitness and conditioning through exercise. Unquestionably, the most popular form of cardiovascular exercise is running. Running is inexpensive, requires little equipment and is very convenient. If you can find a sidewalk or a path, you can find a place to run. Although running has been shown to provide several benefits, there are also several risks for injury. The most common injuries include shin splints, IT Band syndromes, Plantar Fascitis and Runners Knee. Most of these injuries present with increased intensity and milage. Fortunately, most can be treated conservatively, without the need for surgery and aggressive medications.
The median nerve
The median nerve may be compressed at several levels in the arm: by the ligament of Struthers, in the forearm at the level of the lacertus fibrosus, pronator teres or at the origin of the flexor digitorum superficialis. There is activity related discomfort in the forearm and median nerve paraesthesia. Forced repetitive pronation in weight training may be a cause. The ‘true’ Tinel’s sign (sustained pressure directly over the nerve) reproduces paraesthesia; what is now called Tinel’s sign will be positive at the site of compression and so define the exact level of compression. Symptoms will be reproduced by resisted elbow and wrist flexion (compression at lacertus), resisted pronation (at pronator), or resisted long and ring finger PIPJ flexion (at superficialis arch). Nerve conduction studies are unreliable. Treatment is rest and modification of aggravating factors. Surgical release is occasionally needed.
Scaphoid fracture
The most common carpal fracture. Volumes have been written about the appropriate management of this fracture.
The biology and biomechanics of fracture and soft tissue healing are no different in the athlete. (Athletes do not heal any quicker because they seek the advice and treatment of a ‘sports doctor’). In general, fracture union in the upper limb occurs in about six weeks (in the adult, and about half this in a child, fracture consolidation takes twice as long). What is different is the attitude to injury. The demands of competition (especially at the elite level) may result in the athlete returning to training and competition too early, (so running the risk of further injury). Financial concerns may bear on this decision to return too early. The athlete will make the ultimate decision. It is the role of the sports medical team to advise what the risks are and how they may be minimized.
Initial priorities are outlined below
Team Approach
Rehabilitation is facilitated by a team approach. The basic team comprises in order of importance
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Rehabilitation is a generic term for the comprehensive treatment of injury and/or medical conditions. It has active and passive elements. It focuses upon the whole person not just the injury and aims to restore the greatest possible degree of function in the shortest possible time. The factors implicated in the cause of injury should be addressed to prevent injury recurrence.
The pregnant women, who drink even a little, weaken their bond with their children. This fact is proved in a recent research conducted by PhD student Eilidh Duncan at Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University.
Netball is one of the most popular Australian sports, which is played in teams. Netball is popular among sports women. However, male and mixed competitions are also happening. This game puts a lot of physical stress on the players as they have to be highly active to escape from the opponent with good speed and get a goal with rapid movement. Thus, injuries are very common among netball players.
