Women & Children In Sport Flashcards
(12 cards)
What phase of the menstrual cycle allows for best muscle development and injury recovery?
Late follicular phase - Where oestrogen is rising and progesterone is low
The best time to exploit the anabolic muscle building effect of oestrogen
However, due to increased ligamentous laxity, there is a higher risk of ACL injury
What is the action of ACL?
To prevent excessive anterior translation of the tibia on the femur…
Limit internal tibial rotation
And work with PCL to stabilise the knee during dynamic movement
What is the incidence of ACL injury in female basketball and football players in comparison to their male counterparts?
3.5 times higher in basketball
2.8 times higher in football - 32% of female football players do not return to sport following an ACL injury, those who do have a higher risk of re-injury, especially in the contralateral limb
What biomechanical factors were found to be common in female athletes in a SR by Crossley et al (2020), that can be adjusted and lead to improved performance?
Increased hip internal rotation
Increased Genu valgum/ knee valgus
External tibial rotation
Reduced knee stiffness due to overactive quads and hamstrings
Decreased hip and knee flexion
What is RED-S?
Stands for…
Relative
Energy
Deficiency in
Sport
And is the result of insufficient caloric intake and/or excessive energy expenditure
Consequences of this low-energy condition can alter many physiological systems, including metabolism, menstrual function, bone health, immunity, protein synthesis, and cardiovascular and psychological health
What condition did a 2021 paper by Whitney discover an association with low energy availability/ RED-S?
Urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction, were both found to be associated with low energy availability across all sporting categories, however was worse with high impact sports
What MSK pathologies are common in menopausal women?
Lower Back Pain
Pelvic Floor Issues
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Pain at the outer hip, at the site of the greater trochanteric bursa)
Achilles Tendinopathy
Ligamentous Injury
Cartilage Degeneration
Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain
Bone Stress Injuries, Fracture and Osteoporosis
Why is growth plate damage more common than ligamentous injury in children?
In children, tendons and ligaments are relatively stronger than the epiphyseal plate and considerably more elastic, therefore in severe trauma, the epiphyseal plate, being weaker than the ligaments will become damaged
When are adolescents most vulnerable to injury?
During the period of peak linear growth, which usually occurs between 10-12 in girls and 12-14 in boys but can vary. This is because of the imbalance in muscle strength and flexibility that occurs at this phase, and the altered biomechanical properties of bone. As longitudinal bone growth takes place, contractile structures become tight and must adjust over time to accommodate the lengthening of the bones. This predisposes them to injury in the absence of appropriate stretching exercises prior to commencing sport. And often causes poor coordination
How does high intensity training impact bone growth in children?
It can inhibit bone growth, whereas low intensity training can stimulate it
What are some common lower limb injuries in the paediatric population?
Patellar dislocation - Weakness or tightness of quads and hamstrings can increase risk, usually occurs due to a twisting injury or direct trauma to the knee
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) - Idiopathic osteochondral lesions common in 10-20yr olds, 3 times more prevalent in boys than girls. Typically affects the lateral femoral condyle or talar dome
Fracture - Due to a large acute trauma, tibial fractures are especially common in children who ski. Ankle fractures in children are usually minimally displaced
Stress Fracture - Tiny crack or bone stress response that occurs typically as a result of overuse, in children varus alignment seems to play an important role in the development of stress fractures. Navicular stress fractures are associated with a short first metatarsal, metatarsus adductus, limited ankle dorsiflexion and limited STJ motion
Epiphyseal Injuries - At the proximal tibia, valgus or varus deformity can cause strain on the epiphyseal plate due to this being weaker than MCL or LCL.
What are some risk factors for lower limb injuries in children?
Training in improper footwear - sport specific footwear is advised, do not aim to limit movement as flexibility is important
Specialising in one sport early on - children should be encouraged to participate in many different types of activity rather than specialise early on as this inhibits well rounded muscular development and control
Nutritional Deficit/ Imbalance - Anorexic, amenorrhoeic females with reduced bone mineral density are at a high risk of injury
