ocr cambridge national sport science

• What is an acute injury?


  An injury caused as a result to a sudden trauma to the body (e.g. hard rugby tackle, being hit by a ball). It results in immediate pain and usually swelling with a loss of function.
• What is a chronic injury?

  Also known as an overuse injury, they are a result of continuous stress on an area (e.g. Achilles tendonitis, shin splints or tennis elbow). These injuries tend to gradually develop over a period of time.
• What are the types of common sports injuries?

  •soft tissue injuries, i.e. sprains, strains

  •overuse injuries, i.e. tendonitis, tennis elbow

  •fractures, i.e. open, closed

  •concussion

  •abrasions, i.e. grazes, cuts

  •contusions, i.e. bruises

  •blisters, i.e. blisters due to footwear

  •cramp

  •injuries related to children, i.e. Osgood

  Schlatter's disease, severs diseases
• How would you respond to injuries?

  •SALTAPS

  •R.I.C.E

  •stretching and massage

  •taping, bandaging, splints, slings

  •hot and cold treatments (e.g. heat packs)

  •action plan
• What does SALTAPS mean?

  See, ask, look, touch, active movement, passive movement, strength
• What does P.R.I.C.E. stand for?

  PRESSURE, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• What is a soft tissue injury?

  It is caused when the joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion resulting in over stretching and tearing of a ligament that supports the joint. Or it is caused by muscles over-stretching or contracting too quickly, resulting in a partial or complete tear of the muscle and/or tendon fibres.
• What are the symptoms of a soft tissue injury?

  Swelling, loss of power or ability to bear weight, possible discolouration and bruising and/or sudden onset pain.
• How would you treat a soft tissue injury?

  P.R.I.C.E
• What is an overuse injury?

  An injury sustained from repeated action or training errors. Training errors can occur when you enthusiastically take on too much physical activity too quickly. Technique errors and improper technique can also take its toll on your body.
• What are the signs and symptoms of an overuse injury?

  Muscle aches and soreness, swelling, decreased strength or speed, pain with exercise or activity.
• How would you treat an overuse injury?

  •rest

  •ice

  •medication
• What is Severs disease?

  The Achilles' tendon, also called the heel cord, is the strongest tendon that attaches to the growth plate in the heel. Over time, repeated stress (force or pressure) on the already tight Archilles tendon damages the growth plate, causing swelling, tenderness and pain.
• What are the signs and symptoms of Severs disease?

  Pain or tenderness in one or both heels, usually at the back, swelling and redness in the heel and difficulty walking.
• How would you treat Severs disease?

  The main goal of treatment is pain relief. As the symptoms generally worsen with activity, the main treatment for Severs disease is rest, which helps to relieve pressure on the heel bone, decreasing swelling and reducing pain.
• What is an abrasion?


  It is caused when your skin comes into contact with any rough or rigged surface , almost always with some sort of movement. Whether you're running and you fall or a moving object collided with you.
• What are the signs and symptoms of an abrasion?

  Bleeding from the abrasion, pain, swelling, tenderness and complete or partial loss of skin layers.
• How would you treat an abrasion?


  Clean the cut or scrape with cool water to remove dirt and debris. To stop bleeding, gently apply firm, direct pressure using a clean cloth or gauze. Continue to hold the pressure steadily.
• What is cramp?


  It can be caused by pregnancy, exercise, certain types of medication (such as statins which help lower cholesterol levels) and liver disease. Your muscles suddenly contract (shorten), causing pain in your leg. This is known as a spasm and you cannot control the affected muscle.
• What are the signs and symptoms of cramp?

  Pain at the site of the cramp, which can be severe, and firmness or tenderness of the involved muscle.
• How do you treat cramp?

  Stretch the affected muscle with a mild, static stretch, drink fluids, use ice to numb pain and allow the muscle to relax and apply compression to the muscle while it is in a relaxed position.
• What is a concussion?


  A type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull.
• What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?

  Brief loss of consciousness after the injury, memory problems, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, double vision or blurred vision, headache, nausea or vomiting.
• How do you treat a concussion?

  Apply ice to the head injury to help reduce swelling (apply the ice every 2-4 hours and leave in place for 20-30 minutes). Take plenty of rest and the injured person should be supervised for 48 hours.
• What is a fracture?

  It occurs when there is a break in a bone and is often caused by a strong force, impact, pressure or stress.
• What are the signs and symptoms of a fracture?

  Swelling or bruising over the bone, deformity of the arm or leg, pain in the injured area that gets worse when the area is moved or pressure is applied, loss of function in the injured area and in a compound fracture, the bone penetrates the skin.
• How do you treat a fracture?

  Stop any bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a piece of clothing, immobilise the injured area, apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain until emergency personnel arrives. Also treat for shock.
• What is a contusion?


  It appears on the skin when it has suffered trauma such as a cut or blow to the area. The injury causes tiny blood vessels called capillaries to burst and the blood gets trapped below the skin's surface.
• What are the signs and symptoms of a contusion?

  Skin discolouration (usually blue and/ or purple, fading to yellow), pain and swelling.
• How do you treat a contusion?

  R.I.C.E
• What is a blister?


  A pocket of fluid that forms on the skin, often as a reaction to rubbing, friction or burns. It is formed by the body's defence mechanisms to help protect the skin against further damage and to promote healing.
• What are the signs and symptoms of a blister?

  A small raised area filled with fluid and located in the superficial layer of the skin. They look like bubbles on the surface of the skin.
• How do you treat a blister?

  You don't pierce it with a needle because it could lead to infection or slow down the healing process. Allow the skin to peel off on its own after the skin beneath has healed. Painful blisters, or those in positions where they are likely to burst, can be covered with a soft dressing to cushion and protect them. Change the dressing daily and wash your hands before touching the blister to avoid infection.
• What is Osgood Schlatter's Disease?

  It is an overuse condition or injury of the knee that causes pain and swelling below the knee area over the shin bone. In is characterised by inflammation of the patellar tendon and surrounding soft tissues.
• What are the signs and symptoms of Osgood Schlatter's Disease?

  Tenderness below the knee, swelling around the knee and limping (may worsen following activities).
• How do you treat Osgood Schlatter's Disease?

  Ease off strenuous or vigorous sport may be sensible until the pain eases to a tolerable level. You should aim to reduce the duration, frequency and also intensity of your exercise. And ice pack below the kneecap (patella) may prevent some inflammation and pain.
• What are the intrinsic factors which influence the risk of injury? (Physical preparation)

  •training

  •warm up

  •cool down

  •fitness levels

  •overuse

  •muscle imbalances
• What are the intrinsic factors which influence the risk of injury? (Individual variables)

  •gender

  •age

  •flexibility

  •nutrition

  •sleep

  •previous/recurring injuries
• What are the intrinsic factors which influence the risk of injury? (Psychological factors)

  •motivation

  •aggression

  •arousal/anxiety levels
• What are the intrinsic factors which influence the risk of injury? (Posture and the causes of poor posture)

  •poor stance/gait, e.g. bending your knees or hunching your shoulders when standing.

  •sitting position, e.g. slumping/slouching on the sofa rather than sitting upright.

  •physical defects, e.g. muscles weaken around an injured area.

  •lack of exercise, e.g. lack of core muscle strength means less support, being overweight puts strain on posture.

  •fatigue, e.g. tired muscles will be unable to support the skeleton properly.

  •emotional factors, e.g. having low self-esteem/lack of confidence can influence posture.

  •clothing/footwear, e.g. wearing shoes with high heels can affect posture.