Unit 26: Injury Prevention and Treatment in Sport and Exercise Unit code: F/601/1870 QCF level: 4 Credit value: 15 Aim This unit examines the causes of common injuries in sport and exercise and how they can be prevented. It also gives learners an opportunity to look at the treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. Unit abstract It is essential that learners understand how sports injuries can occur and the factors that are related to their incidence in order for preventative measures to be taken. This unit provides learners with an opportunity to consider the most common sport and exercise injuries in relation to specific sports and in relation to how they may be prevented. Learners will investigate causal issues and the physiological evidence for the specified injuries will clearly link their effect on the nervous and musculoskeletal system. This will give learners an understanding of causal factors and therefore inform the preventative measures that need to be implemented. The unit also provides an opportunity for learners to examine the importance of immediate and appropriate treatment where necessary. Learners will be encouraged to utilise this underpinning knowledge in order to consider effective treatment and rehabilitation where appropriate. Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1 Understand injuries common in sport and exercise 2 Understand the techniques used to prevent injuries in sport and exercise 3 Be able to treat different injuries common in sport and exercise 4 Understand the role of injury treatment plans. 139
Unit content 1 Understand injuries common in sport and exercise Clinical signs of strains: 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree sprains; bruises/contusions; fractures; swellings including haemarthrosis; haematomas (inter- and intra-muscular); synovial effusion; oedema Bursitis; compartment syndrome; ruptured Achilles; Achilles tendonitis; Achilles paratendinitis; plantar fasciitis; patellofemoral syndrome; Osgood Schlatters; myosotis ossificans; osteitis pubis; Severs disease; hernia; osteochondritis dessicans; anterior crucial ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) damage; medial and lateral collateral ligament strain; tennis elbow; carpal tunnel syndrome; back pain; cramp; cartilage damage; concussion and other head injuries Nervous system: nerve tissue features; sensory; intermediate; motor neurones; the pain cycle; the pain gate theory Causes and factors affecting injuries: overuse; traumatic; warming up; appropriate fitness levels; muscular strength and endurance; cooling down; poor technique; accidental; equipment/footwear; contact sports 2 Understand the techniques used to prevent injuries Techniques: massage; postural imbalance; strapping of limbs; heat/spa treatments; preparation for exercise/sport; weight training; fitness testing (flexibility, strength, endurance, vital capacity, body fat, cardio-respiratory testing); psychological influences Incidences: the frequency of sports injuries; national statistics within sporting federations eg World Boxing Association, Football Association, Amateur Athletics Association; the Sports Council Types of protective clothing: structure of footwear for different sports; specific clothing; equipment eg racquets; gloves; body protectors; shields and their effectiveness; effect of sports federations liaison with manufacturers of sports equipment 3 Be able to treat different sport and exercise injuries Assessment: injuries as they occur; both on field and in designated treatment areas; apply emergency first-aid; removing athlete from field of play safely; referral to medical practitioners; coolant; taping; bandaging; passive and active movements of injured athletes; RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) principles Modalities: safe application of paraffin wax; heat packs; gel packs; radiant heat lamps; coolant sprays; crushed ice; ice cube massage; contrast bathing; bandages; under-wrap; zinc oxide tape; elastic adhesive bandage (EAB); tubigrip; splints; pressure bandages; specialised limb supports; the physiological effects of all above modalities Medication: the effects of steroids; non-steroidal anti-inflammatories; anti-inflammatories; placebos; analgesics; specialised prophylactic supports eg knee braces, ankle braces 140
4 Understand the role of injury treatment plans Effectiveness: safety of the injured athlete; record-keeping of the nature and result of treatment; effectiveness in limiting discomfort; referral to medical practitioners/accident and emergency Aftercare: what the athlete should do to minimise further injury; booking of future appointments where appropriate; explanation of contra-actions to treatment and rehabilitation 141
Learning outcomes and assessment criteria Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will: LO1 Understand injuries common in sport and exercise Assessment criteria for pass The learner can: 1.1 analyse different injuries common in sport and exercise 1.2 discuss the effects on the nervous and musculo-skeletal systems of different injuries 1.3 analyse the causes of injuries common in sport and exercise LO2 Understand the techniques used to prevent injuries in sport and exercise 2.1 discuss the techniques available to prevent injuries in sport and exercise 2.2 explain how to minimise injuries in sport and exercise 2.3 assess the incidence of injuries in a selected sport or exercise activity 2.4 discuss the types of protective clothing and equipment available to sport and exercise participants LO3 Be able to treat different injuries common in sport and exercise 3.1 demonstrate injury assessment procedures 3.2 demonstrate modalities of treatment for different injuries common in sport and exercise 3.3 discuss the benefits of modalities of sport and exercise injury treatment in emergency and non-emergency situations 3.4 discuss different types of medication prescribed for common injuries LO4 Understand the role of injury treatment plans 4.1 analyse treatment plans for different injuries 4.2 review the effectiveness of different injury treatments 4.3 discuss the aftercare procedures for different injuries 4.4 discuss the importance of contra-indicated actions in relation to full rehabilitation 142
Guidance Links This unit has links to the following units in the BTEC Higher Nationals in Sport and in Sport and Exercise Sciences: Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology for Sport and Exercise Unit 4: Biomechanics for Sport Unit 30: Sports and Exercise Massage Unit 33: Functional Exercise Physiology Unit 37: Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation. It also has links to the National Occupational Standards in therapy. Essential requirements It is essential that the tutor emphasises that preventative measures are the main thrust of safeguarding sports performers. It should be stressed at all times that the application of treatment and treatment plans should be conducted by an appropriate individual with the necessary knowledge or expertise. The assessment of injury and the process of referral to a professional is also essential in order to help learners who may consider working within the sports industry. The learner must not undertake the treatment of injuries by themselves after successful completion of this unit without gaining a further qualification such as a recognised first aid qualification, the FA Rehabilitation Module, etc. Employer engagement and vocational contexts This unit focuses on the practical aspects of sports injury prevention, identification and rehabilitation and will provide learners with the background knowledge and some important skills needed to work in a sports environment. Centres are encouraged to develop links with sports therapists, physiotherapists, coaches etc. This could be via talks, first aid courses, practical treatment workshops, or visits to sports facilities to look at risk assessment and preventative measures. 143