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Question 30 — Sports Medicine (20 marks) (a) (i) Outline how the indicators of readiness to return to play are used following an ankle injury - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 30 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 30
Question 30 — Sports Medicine (20 marks) (a) (i) Outline how the indicators of readiness to return to play are used following an ankle injury. (ii) Discuss the eth... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 30 — Sports Medicine (20 marks) (a) (i) Outline how the indicators of readiness to return to play are used following an ankle injury - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 30 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline how the indicators of readiness to return to play are used following an ankle injury.
Answer
After an ankle injury, athletes should meet specific benchmarks to indicate they are ready to return to play.
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Pain-Free Movement: The athlete must have no pain while performing functional movements, such as walking, running, and jumping. This ensures that the injury is healed sufficiently to avoid pain during activity.
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Strength Testing: Functional strength tests involving resistance or performance tasks should be conducted. The athlete must demonstrate that the injured ankle can bear similar weight and strength compared to the uninjured side.
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Range of Motion: The range of motion in the injured ankle should be comparable to the other ankle. This ensures no restriction that might lead to dysfunction.
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Sport-Specific Skills: Athletes must be able to perform sport-specific skills (e.g., cutting, pivoting) without restrictions, mimicking demands they will face in competition.
Step 2
Discuss the ethical issues to consider before an athlete returns to play following an injury.
Answer
Several ethical considerations must be addressed before an athlete returns to play:
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Pressure to Return: Athletes often face pressure from teammates, coaches, and sponsors to return early, which can lead to premature participation and worsen the injury. Maintaining an athlete's long-term health is crucial.
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Informed Consent: Athletes must be fully informed of potential risks associated with returning to play, such as re-injury or complications from pain management. This requires clear communication from health professionals.
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Use of Painkillers: Athletes may be tempted to use painkillers to mask pain, risking further injury. Ethical considerations involve weighing immediate performance against long-term health consequences.
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Equity in Participation: All athletes, regardless of their injury, should have equal access to support and resources while making recovery and return decisions.
Step 3
To what extent can sports policies and the sports environment promote safe participation for athletes?
Answer
Sports policies and environments can significantly enhance safe participation:
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Health and Safety Regulations: Implementing regulations that safeguard athletes, such as mandatory medical assessments prior to participation, ensures everyone is fit for play.
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Education Programs: Policies promoting education on injury prevention strategies for coaches and athletes can lower injury rates and enhance awareness.
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Adequate Facilities: Ensuring that sports environments have safe and well-maintained facilities helps minimize hazards that could lead to injuries.
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Support Systems: Establishing support systems, like continuous access to healthcare professionals and mental health resources, allows for better recovery and reduces pressure on athletes.
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Injury Reporting: Promoting transparent injury reporting protocols encourages athletes to report injuries without the fear of losing their position, fostering a culture that prioritizes health.