sport for athletes with spinal cord injuries: medical issues and sports injuries
TRANSCRIPT
Sport for Athletes with Spinal Cord Injuries: Medical Issues and
Sports Injuries
At BlazeSports America, our mission is…
to advance the
lives of youth
and adults
with physical
disability through
sport and
healthy lifestyles
This presentation is meant as a
summary review of the information
presented in the BlazeSports manual:
Sport for Athletes with Physical Disabilities: Injuries and Medical Issues
Athletes with Diabetes
Concerns:
Possibility of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia occurring during exercise
Vulnerability to excessive heat
Athletes with Diabetes
Precautions:
Always carry easily accessible glucose and medical alert info
Increase consumption of carbohydrates based on intensity and duration of exercise
Thermoregulation
Ability to control or regulate internal body temperature.
The higher the level of the SCI and the more complete the lesion the more severe the inability of the body to cool itself.
Thermoregulation
Prevention: Stay well hydrated before,
during and after exercise Wear lightweight clothes Use fans, air conditioners, stay indoors in extreme heat and humidity Use spray bottle to cool exposed skin Use wet cloth, headbands or neck bands
Thermoregulation
Heat stroke
Early signs: mental confusion Be unable to drink fluids Sweating generally ceases, skin is hot and dry Athlete may feel faint May lose consciousness or be incoherent Body temperatures rises to dangerous levels
If an athlete is experiencing any of the above begin cooling and seek Emergency Medical treatment.
Thermoregulation: Medications Certain medications can increase a
person’s vulnerability to heat:
anticholinergics sympathomimetics diuretics certain muscle relaxers
Athletes should consult their doctor if on any of
these types of medications.
Thermoregulation
Coaches and athletes should have concern for hypothermia when athletes are exposed to cold temperatures over a period of time.
Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) Marked elevation in blood
pressure Affects athletes with SCI at the
T6 level or above Research suggests that between
48-90 % of individuals with SCI may experience AD.
Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)Most Common Causes:
Obstructed urinary catheter/distended bladder
Pressure sores Rectal impaction
Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)Other Causes:
Ingrown toenails Fractures Body position Tight clothes Passage Range of Motion Deep Vein Thrombosis
Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)
Symptoms:
Hypertension Sweating Headache Shivering Rapid heart rate
Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)Treatment:
Identify the cause and remove it
If symptoms continue, medical attention may be necessary especially if high blood pressure continues
Pressure Sores (Decubitus Ulcers)
Definition:
An area of unrelieved pressure over a defined area, usually over a bony prominence, resulting in ischemia, cell death and tissue necrosis.
National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel
(O’Connor and Kirshblum, 1998, p.1057)
Pressure Sores (Decubitus Ulcers)Causes: Prolong sitting in one position Worn wheelchair cushions Continued sitting on hard surfaces Skin moisture from sweating Use of improper fitting wheelchairs
or other adapted equipment Falls
Pressure Sores (Decubitus Ulcers)
Most common sites:
Sacrum Buttocks Hip Heel
Pressure Sores (Decubitus Ulcers)
#1 Treatment is Prevention
Use well padded cushions Wear absorbent clothing to absorb sweat Good Nutrition Proper hygiene practices Check wheelchairs and adapted equipment
for proper fit Perform pressure releases (arm push ups)
every 20- 30 minutes
Spasticity
Spasticity normally occurs in some athletes with disabilities. Temporary increases in muscle tone may occur due to intense sport, aggressive exercise or strength training.
Spasticity
Experience and research has shown that sport training tends to lessen the impact of spasticity.
Spasticity
Treatment/prevention: Regular participation in a stretching
program No bouncing or ballistic stretching For the upper extremities, strength
training should focus primarily on extension and reduces the number of flexion exercises when flexion dominates over extension.
Venous Pooling
Cause
Lack of sympathetic activity and loss of active muscle function in the legs and trunk muscles.
Venous Pooling
Treatment/Prevention
Wearing an abdominal binder during exercise.
Common Overuse Injuries Musculoskeletal Injuries Shoulder Strain or Injury Blisters, Abrasions & Lacerations Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Treatment: Musculoskeletal Injuries Blisters, Abrasions & Lacerations
Treat as standard athletic injury and attempt to identify and eliminate
cause to prevent recurring injuries.
Proper pre and post exercise warm and cool down can also be a helpful.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Caused by a number of contributing factors including years of transfers, propelling a wheelchair, performing pressure release exercises where the wrist is at maximum extension and the forearm is in supination.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Occurrence increases with the time a person has been using a
wheelchair.
27% of users 1-10 years from onset
54% of users 11-20 years from onset
54% of users 21-30 years from onset
90% of users 31+ years from onset
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
TREATMENT
Best treatment is prevention:
•Good body mechanics
•Wrist flexibility and strengthening exercises
•Use of padded gloves
•ICE: 20 minutes at the end of each day
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
TREATMENT
Severe Cases:
Rest
Immobilization
Anti-inflammatories
Surgery
Shoulder Strain or Injury
Contributing factors:•Wheelchair use
•Number of years after SCI
•Age
•Overweight or obesity
•Not starting shoulder exercises within 2 weeks of injury
•Low levels of recreation and physical activity
Shoulder Strain or Injury
TREATMENT:
•Standard therapeutic modalities
•Strengthening of shoulder internal and external rotators and adductors
•Arm and shoulder flexibility exercises
Shoulder Strain or Injury
Suggested Exercises:
Arm swings
Shoulder rolls
Arm circles
Chest fly
Bicep curl
Tricep extension
References:BlazeSports America
Sport for Athletes with Physical Disabilities:
Injuries and Medical Issues
Ben Johnson, Carol Mushett, Grant Peacock
and Ken Richter
National Center of Physical Activity and Disability
Introduction to Common Overuse Injuries
in Wheelchair Users
Patricia M. McClintock
Additional Resources:National Center of Physical Activity and Disability
NCPAD.org
Exercise Program for Individuals with
Spinal Cord Injuries: Paraplegia
&
Exercise Guide for Individuals with SCI
Exercise Program for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries: Tetraplegia
&
Exercise Guide for Persons with Tetraplegia
QUESTIONS?
