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 Email Newsletters, Sports psychology, Tools and technology
March madness culminated in the NCAA men’s championship finals when Texas Tech met the University of Virginia. With both schools given the chance to win their first basketball championship, the Raiders of Texas Tech were celebrating what has been for them a comeback season. To what did they attribute their success? Sleep! After a three-game... MORE
in Sports psychology, Tools and technology
Trevor Langford explores the physiological effects of stress, and the implications for athletes seeking to reduce pain and return to normal function. Figure 1: Stress and homeostasis Through its impacts on the CNS, endocrine and immune systems, stress can alter the physiological homeostasis in the body. Background Athletes at all levels of sport are exposed... 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 Email Newsletters, Sports psychology, Tools and technology
Fear is an emotional response to a threat, either real or perceived. It is a great motivator and rapidly modifies behavior. Fear avoidance is making behavioral choices to avoid that which instills fear, like taking a circuitous route to keep from driving down a street you know is a police speed trap. As discussed in... MORE
in Email Newsletters, Improve, Sports psychology, Tools and technology
In a recent article on the language of pain, physio Karen Litzy reviews how to speak to athletes about their pain. However, how good are physios in understanding a particular athlete’s pain perception and the factors that contribute to it? In today’s newsletter, we begin a series looking at the complex factors that surround pain,... MORE
in Email Newsletters, Improve, Knee injuries, Tools and technology
As Karen Litzy explains in her recent article, pain is a complex phenomenon. For a time, it was considered the fourth vital sign. However, it’s an unreliable symptom. Unlike blood pressure or pulse, pain is subjective. It’s expression and perception differs among genders, cultures, socioeconomic status, race, current emotions, and just about every other aspect... 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 Other, Tools and technology
Kay Robinson uses her extensive experience to provide an insight into the challenges and requirements of travelling with a high-performance team, and provides practical strategies to maximize performance outcomes. There are many demands, challenges, and amazing opportunities that come as a traveling physiotherapist, whether you are heading to the Olympics or travelling with a youth team on their... MORE
