Andrew Hamilton
ANDREW HAMILTON BSc Hons, MRSC, ACSM is a sports science writer, researcher and editor, specializing in exercise physiology, sports health and sports nutrition. He has worked in the field of fitness and sports performance for over 30 years, helping athletes to reach their true potential. Andrew is also a lifelong endurance athlete himself.
Articles by Andrew Hamilton
in Prevent, Tools and technology
Heat-related illness in athletes can have potentially catastrophic consequences. Andrew Hamilton looks at what recent research says about assessing the risks and heat stroke/illness prevention. When it comes to life-threatening conditions associated with sport participation, sudden cardiac arrest, and concussion probably spring to mind. However, although less publicized, heat stroke and heat-related illness are equally serious.... MORE
in Musculoskeletal injuries, Other, Overuse injuries
Andrew Hamilton discusses the merits or otherwise of training interventions to improve bone health. Low-impact sports such as swimming and cycling are extremely effective for building cardiovascular health and muscular strength. Moreover, the smooth spinning action of pedaling and the low-gravity environment of the water is comparatively gentle on joints, tendons and ligaments, which means... MORE
in Ankle and foot injuries, Diagnose & Treat, Overuse injuries
Although rarely discussed, research suggests that foot pain in cycling is surprisingly common. Andrew Hamilton explains how foot/pedal interface can lead to foot pain and gives advice to clinicians with cyclists in their care Although rarely discussed, research suggests that foot pain in cycling is surprisingly common. Andrew Hamiltonexplains how foot/pedal interface can lead to... MORE
in Core injuries, Diagnose & Treat
Andrew Hamilton investigates the role of ‘slipping rib syndrome’ in the etiology of thoracic pain. What role does rib hyper-mobility play and what should clinicians be on the lookout for? Thoracic movement A number of rigid structures, including the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae, comprise the thoracic region. Intervertebral discs and costal cartilages facilitate the... MORE
in Sports psychology, Tools and technology
Andrew Hamilton looks at new research on the growing popularity of analgesic medication use by athletes, and considers the implications for clinicians with athletes in their care. As an ex-triathlete, researcher and writer, I spend a lot of my spare time searching through the scientific literature on sports health and injury. It was with great... MORE
in Acute injuries, Prevent
Andrew Hamilton looks at what the most recent research has to say regarding injury risk and prevention for skiers and snowboarders, and the implications for safety. No sport is free of injury risk, but alpine sports such as skiing and snowboarding carry more risk than most, especially when it comes to more traumatic or life-threatening injuries.... MORE
in Acute injuries, Improve, Prevent
Andrew Hamilton looks at what the scientific research has to say regarding snow sports injury and injury prevention. Skiing and (increasingly) snowboarding are becoming mass-participation sports, enjoyed by participants of all ages and abilities. For example, in North America alone, there are more than 78 million annual visits to ski areas by skiers and snowboarders of... MORE
in Prevent, Tools and technology
With the competitive season looming, Andrew Hamilton examines the current best thinking on vaccination for athletes, and makes recommendations for sports clinicians. Without doubt, vaccination is one of the greatest triumphs of modern medicine. Many serious diseases that used to routinely maim or kill large numbers of people are no longer a threat. More than that,... MORE
in Improve, Nutrition, Tools and technology
When pain and injury strike, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the ‘go to’ medication for athletes. But given the potential downsides of NSAIDs, are there alternatives? Andrew Hamilton looks at recent research on natural plant compounds that may be able to combat inflammation, accelerate recovery and reduce stiffness. The problem with NSAIDs Regardless of the cause... MORE
in Diagnose & Treat, Tools and technology
In part one of this article, Andrew Hamilton explored the benefits – or otherwise – of manipulating dietary protein, fat and carbohydrate intake. In part two, Andrew investigates the potential benefits of vitamins, mineral, and other micronutrients. Can they help speed injury healing, and which nutrients are most effective? As we explained in the first part... MORE
