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31 — Sports Medicine (a) How are skill and physical tests used to indicate an athlete’s readiness to return to play after injury? (b) Why are acclimatisation and fluid intake effective strategies for supporting the body’s temperature regulation mechanisms? - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 31 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 31
31 — Sports Medicine (a) How are skill and physical tests used to indicate an athlete’s readiness to return to play after injury? (b) Why are acclimatisation and f... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:31 — Sports Medicine (a) How are skill and physical tests used to indicate an athlete’s readiness to return to play after injury? (b) Why are acclimatisation and fluid intake effective strategies for supporting the body’s temperature regulation mechanisms? - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 31 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
How are skill and physical tests used to indicate an athlete’s readiness to return to play after injury?
Answer
Return to play is a co-ordinated effort between the athlete and medical staff. All athletes returning to play should undertake and pass comprehensive skill and physical tests. These tests establish clear indications of an athlete's readiness following an injury.
For example, in a football setting, an injured athlete must demonstrate significant recovery in their ability to perform sport-specific movements. A common test might involve kicking a football with both the injured and uninjured legs to assess functional strength and coordination. If the athlete shows 90-95% capacity compared to the uninjured leg, they may be deemed fit to train.
Additionally, generic skills tests, such as jumping and sprinting, may be utilized to assess readiness. These tests evaluate the athlete's physical capabilities in relation to the demands of their sport, ensuring they can handle the rigors involved in gameplay. Game-specific assessments may also include drills like passing, throwing, or dribbling to evaluate sport-specific athleticism and readiness to return to competitive play.
Step 2
Why are acclimatisation and fluid intake effective strategies for supporting the body’s temperature regulation mechanisms?
Answer
Acclimatisation is a fundamental strategy for athletes to regulate body temperature in varying climatic conditions. This process helps the body adapt to increased heat exposure over a period of 4-14 days. Through acclimatisation, athletes develop efficient heat dissipation strategies, enhancing their performance in hotter environments.
Australian athletes, for example, may prepare for competitions in hotter climates, like the sub-continent of India, by adjusting their training regimens prior to events. This preparation allows athletes to increase their body’s efficiency in managing heat stress and reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Fluid intake plays a crucial role in this strategy. Replenishing fluids allows the body to maintain optimal hydration levels, which is essential for effective thermoregulation. During intensive training or competition, it is recommended to consume fluids in proportion to the loss due to sweat, minimizing dehydration and heat exhaustion risks.
In summary, both acclimatisation and adequate fluid intake enhance the body's ability to regulate temperature, ensuring athletes can perform optimally in demanding conditions.