1. Sports Injury Prevention
Samantha Kinnane - 3053081

2. Definition
Injury can be defined as the
physical harm to a person’s
body
Sports injuries typically result
from acute trauma or
repetitive stress and
characteristically involve
some damage to soft tissue
or bones.

3. Epidemiology
8 major sports in Australia that were estimated to account
for 75% of all injuries sustained.
• AFL
• Rugby league
• Rugby union
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Netball
• Hockey
• Cricket

4. Epidemiology
Approximately 95% are minor soft tissue traumas and the
remaining 5% result in skeletal injuries, predominantly
occurring in the upper and lower extremities.
While adults were less likely to
sustain sporting injuries than
children, the ratio of
incidences between males
and females is relatively equal.

5. How to prevent injuries in sport

6. Preventative Strategies
Preventative strategies that are commonly used to
minimise sports injuries include:
• Preseason medical screenings
• Warming up and cooling down
• Proprioceptive training
• Stretching
• Taping
• Protective equipment
• Rehabilitation and education
programs

7. Warm up
A correct warm up assists in:
• raising the body temperature
• increasing blood flow
• promoting oxygen supply to the muscles
• provide mental preparation.
Reduction in soft tissue injuries by enhancing the
mechanical behaviours of the muscles, ligaments,
tendons and other connective tissues.

8. Cool down
An active recovery
is on of the most
effective forms of
recovery and can
reduce the
incidence of muscle
soreness post
exercise as well as
reduce the overall
recovery time.

9. Stretching
Incorporated into both the warm up and cool down
routine
Inconclusive evidence however, some research
suggests:
• Dynamic stretching in the
warm up
• Static stretching as part of
a cool down

10. Equipment management
Using the right equipment can be
important in avoiding injuries in sport.
appropriate for the activity and properly fitted for the
individual.
a decrease in the incidence and severity
of injuries sustained.

11. Physical conditioning
Appropriate conditioning programmes can aid in the
decrease risk of injury, decrease the severity of an injury
and can help prevent re-injury.
Safe athletic performance requires
adequate:
• muscular strength and balance
• power
• neuromuscular coordination
• flexibility
• cardiovascular endurance
• body composition

12. Role of the coach
The coach has a responsibility and need to provide a safe
and healthy environment in all forms of physical activity
Through providing sport specific
knowledge with sport safety
components, the coach can
contribute greatly to the
reduction of injury occurrence
and severity

13. References
Abernethy, L. Cleakley, C. (2007) “Strategies to prevent injury in adolescent sport: a
systemic review” British Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(10): 627-638.
Conne, J.M., J.L. Annest, and J. Gilchrist. (2003) "Sports and Recreation Related Injury
Episodes in the U.S. Population." Injury Prevention, 117.
Egger, G. (1991) “Sports injury in Australia: causes, costs and prevention.” Health
Promotion Journal of Australia, 1:28–33.
Finch, C. Valuri, G. Ozanne-Smith, J. (1998) “Sport and active recreation injuries in
Australia: evidence from emergency department presentations.” British Journal of
Sports Medicine, 32 (3): 220-225.
Parkkari, J. Kujala, U. Kannus, P. (2001) “Is it possible to prevent sports injuries?.”
Journal of Sports medicine, 31 (14):985-995.
Pickard, M Tullett, W. Patel A. (1988) “Sports injuries as seen at an accident and
emergency department.” Scott Medical Journal, 33:296–297.
Spencer, R Taggart, T. (1994) “Sport related injuries attending the accident and
emergency department.” British Journal of Sports Medicine, 28:110–11.