1 of 54

B3 Injury

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Syllabus Statements

B.3.1.1—The complex interaction of internal and external risk factors can predispose and make an

individual susceptible to injury.

B.3.1.2—An acute trauma is caused by a sudden or excessive application of force, or by a force from an unexpected direction. A cumulative trauma is caused by the repeated application of force

B.3.1.3—Chronic or overuse injuries are often related to technique.

B.3.2.1—Methods of lowering the risk of injury attempt to minimize the abnormal application of

forces and maximize the ability of the body to absorb any such application of force.

B.3.2.2—The initial stages of injury treatment often involve mitigation of inflammation.

Serious injuries that involve complete tears or major fractures will sometimes require surgical repair. In the healing process, therapeutic modalities (some managed by para-professionals) are provided to promote healing and a safe return to activity.

B.3.2.3—Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is

not always linear.

2 of 54

What can cause injury?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

B.3.1.1—The complex interaction of internal and external risk factors can predispose and make an individual susceptible to injury.

age,
sex differences,
pregnancy,
the effects of training,
congenital factors
previous injury—are considered individual variables.

Discuss how each of these factors could lead to injury

Challenge: How can athletes minimise the chances of injury?

3 of 54

What is trauma?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Trauma can lead to injuries of connective tissue, muscle, bone, skin and the brain

Acute

Cumulative

4 of 54

What is trauma?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Trauma can lead to injuries of connective tissue, muscle, bone, skin and the brain

Trauma = physical damage from force.

Acute trauma
Cumulative trauma.

Acute trauma happens suddenly.

Caused by excessive or unexpected force.

Eg. Spraining an ankle, dislocating a shoulder, or breaking a bone during a tackle.

Cumulative trauma develops slowly.

Caused by repeated stress or force over time.

Eg. Tennis elbow, stress fractures, or shin splints from overuse.

5 of 54

How can injury affect the body?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Trauma can lead to injuries of connective tissue, muscle, bone, skin and the brain

Trauma can damage to:

Connective tissue, muscle, bone, skin, and brain.

Muscle: strains or tears.

Connective tissue: sprains, tendonitis, ligament damage.

Bones: fractures or breaks.

Skin: cuts, abrasions, bruises from impact.

Only functional concussion-like injuries will be assessed.

No structural damage visible

6 of 54

What causes overuse injuries?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

B.3.1.3—Chronic or overuse injuries are often related to technique.

Repetitive movement patterns
Training errors (sudden increases in intensity, volume, or frequency)
Poor technique or biomechanics
Inadequate recovery or rest
Improper equipment or footwear
Muscle weakness or imbalance
Lack of flexibility or insufficient warm-up
Rapid growth in youth athletes

Challenge: How do the principles of programming relate to these?

7 of 54

How much does technique ‘actually’ matter?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Correcting biomechanical maladaptations can decrease the risk of injury

8 of 54

How much does technique ‘actually’ matter?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Correcting biomechanical maladaptations can decrease the risk of injury

Chronic or overuse injuries develop slowly.

They result from repeated movement or excessive training.

Poor technique
Incorrect biomechanics
Overtraining without rest

Runners with poor foot strike = shin splints

9 of 54

How much does technique ‘actually’ matter?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Correcting biomechanical maladaptations can decrease the risk of injury

10 of 54

How much does technique ‘actually’ matter?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Correcting biomechanical maladaptations can decrease the risk of injury

Bad technique increases stress on joints, muscles, or tendons.

This causes maladaptations and long-term damage.

Correcting technique improves movement efficiency.

This reduces the load on body tissues and prevents injury.

Swimmers with bad shoulder mechanics = rotator cuff pain

11 of 54

How can biomechanical analysis help prevent injuries?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Correcting biomechanical maladaptations can decrease the risk of injury

Identifying faulty techniques that increase injury risk
Reducing repetitive strain on joints and muscles
Improving posture and alignment during movement
Personalising training and rehabilitation programs
Enhancing the use and fit of equipment to support safe movement

Challenge: How does differences in access to sports scientist technology affect the fairness in competition?

12 of 54

What forces result in trauma injuries?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

B.3.2.1—Methods of lowering the risk of injury attempt to minimize the abnormal application of forces and maximize the ability of the body to absorb any such application of force. Serious injuries that involve complete tears or major fractures will sometimes require surgical repair.

13 of 54

What protective equipment can help prevent injury?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Protective equipment can lower the risk of injury, including the risk of concussion. Sporting equipment can be selected or adjusted to suit users of different body sizes and shapes.

Helmets – protect the skull and brain from impact
Mouthguards – reduce dental and jaw injuries
Shin guards – protect the lower legs from direct contact
Ankle and knee braces – provide joint support and stability
Gloves – protect hands from friction, impact, or cold
Padding (e.g. shoulder pads, chest protectors) – absorb impact in contact sports
Appropriate footwear – supports joints and reduces slipping or overuse injuries

14 of 54

What protective equipment can help prevent injury?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Protective equipment can lower the risk of injury, including the risk of concussion. Sporting equipment can be selected or adjusted to suit users of different body sizes and shapes.

Goggles or face shields – protect eyes and face from debris or contact
Compression garments – aid in muscle support and circulation
Groin protectors – protect against impact in high-risk sports like martial arts or cricket

15 of 54

What are the different types of stretching?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Flexibility training, proper warm-up and prehabilitation exercises can lower the risk of injury. Learning and using correct technique and using developmentally appropriate rules are also effective.

Research types of stretching important for warmups.

Active Stretching/Dynamic Stretching
Ballistic Stretching
Static Stretching
PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation)

16 of 54

Write a flexibility and warm up program for an athlete in the sport of your choice

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Flexibility training, proper warm-up and prehabilitation exercises can lower the risk of injury. Learning and using correct technique and using developmentally appropriate rules are also effective.

Consider:

Specificity and Purpose
Progressive Overload
Recovery
Reversibility
Variety

17 of 54

What’s the purpose of a warm up?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Flexibility training, proper warm-up and prehabilitation exercises can lower the risk of injury. Learning and using correct technique and using developmentally appropriate rules are also effective.

Increases muscle temperature
Improves joint range of motion
Raises heart rate gradually
Improves nerve signalling
Enhances muscle force and power
Activates key muscle groups
Reduces injury risk
Improves mental readiness

18 of 54

How do you treat inflammation? Discuss why each of these works...

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

B.3.2.2—The initial stages of injury treatment often involve mitigation of inflammation. In the healing process, therapeutic modalities (some managed by para-professionals) are provided to promote healing and a safe return to activity

19 of 54

How do you treat inflammation? Discuss why each of these works...

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Challenge: How does diet influence inflammation?

20 of 54

What are these signs and symtpoms?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is not always linear.

A return to normal daily activities, learning or sport is generally a staged process involving increasing levels of cognitive and physical demand.

21 of 54

“Concussion: From Sideline to Comeback”

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is not always linear.

A return to normal daily activities, learning or sport is generally a staged process involving increasing levels of cognitive and physical demand.

22 of 54

“Concussion: From Sideline to Comeback”

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is not always linear.

A return to normal daily activities, learning or sport is generally a staged process involving increasing levels of cognitive and physical demand.

You are a sports injury researcher tasked with creating an informative and evidence-based report or presentation for athletes, coaches, and school communities on how concussion is identified, treated, and managed in sport.

Challenge: Investigate a real-life case of a professional athlete who suffered a concussion or multiple concussions.

23 of 54

“Concussion: From Sideline to Comeback”

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is not always linear.

A return to normal daily activities, learning or sport is generally a staged process involving increasing levels of cognitive and physical demand.

24 of 54

“Concussion: From Sideline to Comeback”

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is not always linear.

A return to normal daily activities, learning or sport is generally a staged process involving increasing levels of cognitive and physical demand.

25 of 54

“Concussion: From Sideline to Comeback”

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is not always linear.

A return to normal daily activities, learning or sport is generally a staged process involving increasing levels of cognitive and physical demand.

26 of 54

“Concussion: From Sideline to Comeback”

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is not always linear.

A return to normal daily activities, learning or sport is generally a staged process involving increasing levels of cognitive and physical demand.

27 of 54

“Concussion: From Sideline to Comeback”

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is not always linear.

A return to normal daily activities, learning or sport is generally a staged process involving increasing levels of cognitive and physical demand.

28 of 54

“Concussion: From Sideline to Comeback”

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is not always linear.

A return to normal daily activities, learning or sport is generally a staged process involving increasing levels of cognitive and physical demand.

29 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is not always linear.

A return to normal daily activities, learning or sport is generally a staged process involving increasing levels of cognitive and physical demand.

30 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Treatment of concussion varies based on the specifics of the injury. The pace of recovery is not always linear.

A return to normal daily activities, learning or sport is generally a staged process involving increasing levels of cognitive and physical demand.

31 of 54

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Syllabus Statements

A.3.3.1—Fatigue can originate at different levels of the motor or energy pathway, possibly combining a variety of sources.

Central and peripheral neuromuscular mechanisms are responsible for fatigue.

Peripheral neuro-muscular mechanisms—including imbalance in pH, lack of hydration and insufficient fuel availability—can all contribute to fatigue.

Suboptimal availability of calcium, sodium and potassium can also contribute to fatigue.

32 of 54

What are we learning?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Syllabus Statements

Distinguish between central and peripheral fatigue
Explain neuromuscular mechanisms of fatigue
Apply fatigue concepts to sporting performance

33 of 54

Fatigue Stems from Mutliple Areas of the body with a variety of contributing sources

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.3.3.1—Fatigue can originate at different levels of the motor or energy pathway, possibly combining a variety of sources.

A reversible, exercise-induced decline in performance.

34 of 54

Where have you heard of these before?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.3.3.1—Fatigue can originate at different levels of the motor or energy pathway, possibly combining a variety of sources.

A reversible, exercise-induced decline in performance.

Central

Peripheral

Energy Pathways

35 of 54

Can you link this to fatigue you have felt before?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.3.3.1—Fatigue can originate at different levels of the motor or energy pathway, possibly combining a variety of sources.

Fatigue rarely has a single cause.

In sport, fatigue often results from:

Central + peripheral fatigue
Energy depletion + neuromuscular failure
Physiological + psychological factors

36 of 54

Fatigue Stems from Mutliple Areas of the body with a variety of contributing sources

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.3.3.1—Fatigue can originate at different levels of the motor or energy pathway, possibly combining a variety of sources.

37 of 54

Fatigue Stems from Mutliple Areas of the body with a variety of contributing sources

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.3.3.1—Fatigue can originate at different levels of the motor or energy pathway, possibly combining a variety of sources.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Sensory

Motor

Autonomic

Somatic

Symapthetic

Parasymapthetic

38 of 54

Fatigue Stems from Mutliple Areas of the body with a variety of contributing sources

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.3.3.1—Fatigue can originate at different levels of the motor or energy pathway, possibly combining a variety of sources.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Sensory

Motor

Autonomic

Somatic

Symapthetic

Parasymapthetic

39 of 54

What is peripheral fatigue?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Central and peripheral neuromuscular mechanisms are responsible for fatigue.

Peripheral fatigue: Peripheral fatigue occurs in the muscle (and neurons) itself. It develops rapidly and is caused by reduced muscle cell force.

pH imbalance (acidosis)
Dehydration
Insufficient fuel availability
Electrolyte imbalance

These reduce muscle contraction efficiency.

40 of 54

What is peripheral fatigue?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Central and peripheral neuromuscular mechanisms are responsible for fatigue.

41 of 54

What is peripheral fatigue?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Central and peripheral neuromuscular mechanisms are responsible for fatigue.

42 of 54

What is central fatigue?

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Central and peripheral neuromuscular mechanisms are responsible for fatigue.

Develops during prolonged exercise and is caused by impaired

function of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Reduced motor drive from the brain
Decreased motor unit recruitment
Protective inhibition to prevent damage

Fewer signals reach the muscles → reduced force output

43 of 54

Exam Ready

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Peripheral neuro-muscular mechanisms—including imbalance in pH, lack of hydration and insufficient fuel availability—can all contribute to fatigue

Explain how dehydration contributes to fatigue in endurance athletes.

Distinguish between central and peripheral fatigue.

Apply fatigue mechanisms to a named sport.

44 of 54

Exam Ready

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Peripheral neuro-muscular mechanisms—including imbalance in pH, lack of hydration and insufficient fuel availability—can all contribute to fatigue

Causes of fatigue in high intensity activities

Causes of fatigue in endurance activities

45 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Suboptimal availability of calcium, sodium and potassium can also contribute to fatigue.

46 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.2.3.4—Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) is required for the body to return to homeostasis and is dependent on the oxygen deficit incurred during exercise. EPOC is typically divided into two subsections: fast and slow.

47 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

2-3 mins - Phosphagen (Fast)

3 mins +

Lactic Acid Removal (Slow)

48 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

Steady State
Exercise homeostasis
O₂ supply = O₂ demand
O₂ demand & supply are static / constant internal environment
Begin exercise: ↑ activity level → ↑ ATP demand → ↑ O₂ demand
O₂ demand > O₂ supply
O₂ deficit
O₂ deficit = O₂ demand − actual O₂ use (supply)
Despite insufficient O₂, ATP is still generated.
How does the body produce ATP during O₂ deficit?

49 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

EPOC
Excess Post Exercise Consumption

50 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.2.3.3—The lactate inflection point is the maximum intensity at which the body can metabolize lactate at the same rate as its production.

51 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.2.3.3—The lactate inflection point is the maximum intensity at which the body can metabolize lactate at the same rate as its production.

The lactate inflection point is the highest exercise intensity at which lactate production is matched by lactate removal, resulting in a stable blood lactate concentration.

52 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.2.3.3—The lactate inflection point is the maximum intensity at which the body can metabolize lactate at the same rate as its production.

The lactate inflection point is the highest exercise intensity at which lactate production is matched by lactate removal, resulting in a stable blood lactate concentration.

53 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.2.3.3—The lactate inflection point is the maximum intensity at which the body can metabolize lactate at the same rate as its production.

54 of 54

Kahoot

Break, Bruise, Bounce Back

A.1.2.2—The body has acute and possible long-term responses to the environment in which it functions.

Short-term responses and long-term adaptations in the body can vary in response to the external environment (temperature, humidity, altitude).

The extent to which the environment impacts performance of an activity depends on the nature of the activity.

Different strategies can be used to support performance of an activity and acclimatize the body to variations in the immediate environment.