Chapter - 7 Physiology & injuries in sports for Class XII Physical Education

1. CHAPTER - 7
PHYSIOLOGY & INJURIES IN SPORTS
BY DR. GAJENDER SHARMA

2. CONTENTS
 Physiological factors determining components of
Physical Fitness
 Effect of exercise on Cardio Respiratory System
 Effect of exercise on Muscular System
 Physiological changes due to ageing
 Sports Injuries: Classification (Soft tissue injury:
Abrasion, Contusion, Laceration, Incision, Sprain
& Strain)
 Bone & Joint Injuries: Dislocation & Fracture
 Causes, Prevention and Treatment
 First Aid- Aim & Objectives

3. Physiological Factors Determine
Strength
 Muscle composition: There are two types of fibres in
muscles i.e. fast twitch fibres and slow twitch fibres. The
muscles which consist of more percentage of fast twitch
fibres will produce more strength.
 Size of the muscle: The strength of an individual depends
on the size of muscle. As larger and bigger muscle produce
more force and with the help of different methods of strength
training, the size of the muscle can be increased.
 Body weight: there is a positive relation between body
weight and strength. The individuals who are heavier are
stronger than the individuals who are lighter in weight.
 Intensity of nerve impulse: A muscle is composed of no. of
motor units. The total force of muscle depends upon the
number of contracting motor units. Whenever, a stronger
nerve impulse from central nervous system excite more
number of motor units, the muscle will contract more strongly
or it can be said that the muscle will produce more force or
strength.

4. Physiological Factors for Determining
Speed
 Muscle composition: The muscles which consist of more
percentage of fast twitch fibres contract with more speed and
produce a greater speed. Different muscles of the body have
different percentage of fast twitch fibres.
 Explosive strength: it depends on the shape, size and
coordination of muscles. For very quick and explosive movement,
explosive strength is required. The related proportion of fast twitch
fibres and slow twitch fibres determines the maximum possible
speed with which the muscle can contract.
 Flexibility: It also determines the speed. Good flexibility allows
maximum range of movements and also enables complete
utilization of explosive strength.
 Biochemical reserves and metabolic power: muscles require
more amount of energy and high rate of consumption for maximum
speed performance. For this purpose the stores of ATP & CP in the
muscles should be enough. If the store is less, the working process
of the muscles slows down after short time.

5. Physiological Factors for Determining
Flexibility
 Muscle strength: Flexibility depends on the level of strength. Weak
muscles can become a limiting factor for achieving higher range of
movement. Muscle strength is highly trainable therefore, it can
enhance flexibility.
 Joint structure: There are several different types of joints in human
body. Some of the joints intrinsically have a greater range of
motion.eg. the ball and socket joint of the shoulder has the greatest
range of motion.
 Age and gender: flexibility decreases with the advancement of
age. It can be enhanced with the help of training. Gender also
determines the flexibility as females tends to be more flexible than
males.
 Internal environment: The internal environment of an athlete
influences the flexibility. If internal temperature increases flexibility
increases; if decreases flexibility decreases.
 Previous injury: Injuries to connective tissues and muscles
ultimately lead to reduced flexibility

6. Immediate Effects of Exercise on Cardio-
Vascular
 Increase in heart rate.
 Increase in Stroke Volume.
 Increase in Cardiac Output.
 Increase in Blood Flow.
 Increase in Blood Flow.

7. Long Term Effects of Exercise on the Cardiovascular
System
 The heart and lungs become more efficient as
your cardiovascular training increases.
 Decreased resting heart rate, which means your
heart doesn’t have to beat as often to circulate
blood.
 Improved ability to draw in deeper and longer
breaths, and take fewer breaths.
 Reduced risk of heart disease.
 Slow down the onset of fatigue.
 Controls high blood Pressure and hypertension.

8. Effect of Exercise on Muscular
System
 Increase in Muscle Mass
 Control Extra Fat
 Delay Fatigue
 Posture
 Strength and Speed
 Blood supply in the muscles
increases
 Number of Mitochondria Increases

9. Effect of Exercise on Respiratory
System
 Improved tidal volume and vital capacity of
lungs.
 Improved aerobic and anaerobic capacity.
 Avoid second wind.
 Increased will power.
 Faster Recovery Rate
 Improved gas Exchange capacity
 Improved maximum oxygen capacity
 Breathing will be more rhythmic and regular

10. Physiological Changes Due to
Ageing
 Efficiency at work reduces
 General health problems start
 Weakness in minute structure
 Fatigue or easily tired
 Reduction in efficiency of cardio respiratory
system.
 More Prone to cardiovascular disease.
 One become physically inactive
 A considerable loss of strength ,Speed,
Endurance
 Body Composition also changes with inactivity.

11. Causes of sports injuries
 Improper Warming up
 Poor technique
 Not using equipment correctly
 Environmental factors
 Improper clothing and footwear
 Poor Nutrition
 Fitness levels
 Age & Weight/size
 Poor Posture
 Surface
 Overuse
 Fatigue

12. Prevention of Sports
Injuries
 Pre-participation of medical check up
 Proper conditioning
 Avoid dehydration
 Protective Sports equipment & Gears
 Adequate & effectively maintained facilities
 Sports person’s psychological conditions &
environment
 Adequate rehabilitation/Injury management
 Proper use of right techniques
 Balanced diet & adequate rest
 Use of proper skills
 Warming up & cooling down

13. Soft Tissue Injuries
 Strain is also a muscle injury. A strain is caused by twisting or pulling a
muscle or tendon. A sudden strain is caused by a recent injury, lifting heavy
objects or rods in wrong way and over stressing the muscles. Chronic strain
are usually caused by moving the muscles and tendons in repetition.
 Sprain is a ligament injury. It may occur due to overstretching or tearing of
ligaments. Many things can cause sprain. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can
force a point out of its normal position. This can cause ligaments around
the joints to tear. Generally, Sprain occurs at wrist and ankle joints.
 Abrasion is a key injury generally occurs due to friction with certain
equipments or a fall over the area where bone is very close to skin. It may
be caused by a fall on hard surface. As someone falls or slides on the
ground, friction causes layers of the skin to rub off.
 A laceration is a wound that is produced by tearing of soft body tissue.
 Contusion: It is the crushing of soft tissues by a violent external forces
without breaking the continuity.
 Incisions or incised wounds – caused by a clean, sharp-edged object
such as a knife, razor, or glass splinter. Lacerations – irregular tear-
like wounds caused by some blunt trauma.

14. Treatment of Soft Tissue
Injury
 Rest: Rest reduces further damage. Avoid as much
movement as possible to limit further injury. Don’t put any
weight on the injured part of the body.
 ICE: Apply a cold pack to the injury for 20 minutes every 2
hours. Continue this treatment for the first 48 -72 hours.
 Compression: Apply a compression bandage, such
as Elastoplasts’ Crepe Bandage covering the injured area as
well as the areas above and below. Compression can help to
reduce bleeding and swelling.
 Elevation: Elevate the injured area to stop bleeding and
swelling. You may want to place the injured area on a pillow
for comfort and support.
 Referral: Refer the injured person to a qualified professional
such as a doctor or physiotherapist for precise diagnosis,
ongoing care and treatment.

15. Injury Assessment -
TOTAPS
 Talk :Talk to injured athletes. Their answers will give clues as to their likely injuries and the
severity of their pain level, and determine whether the athlete is alert or confused.
 Observe: Compare the injured site with its opposite. Are there inconsistencies, e.g. injured hand
with uninjured hand, bruising, swelling, etc?
 Touch :Gently palpate (feel) the injured area, watching the athlete for any reactions to pain.
Injured athletes will give some idea of their pain level. Acute damage may cause muscle spasm
and noticeable warmth.
 Active movement: Proceed only if steps T O T have not suggested significant injury. Ask the
athlete to move the injured part without help. If movement is impossible, severely restricted, or
painful, seek medical advice.
 Passive movement: If movement is possible, test the range within normal limits. Check power
and coordination. For upper limb injury, ask the athlete to squeeze your hands. For lower limb
injury, ask the athlete to push their feet against your hands; compare the power and coordination
of the two limbs. If there is a significant difference, suspect a more serious injury, and seek
medical advice.
 Skill test: If none of the previous procedures has resulted in pain, then ask the athlete to stand
and perform a test of the skills required in competition, beginning with the least demanding, and
ending with the most demanding.

16. Avoid HARM!
 Heat – Heat will cause blood vessels to dilate which in turn
will increase the flow of blood to the area. Avoid hot baths,
showers, saunas, heat packs, and heat rubs.
 Alcohol – Similar to heat, alcohol has an effect of dilating
blood vessels, which in turn will increase the flow of blood to
the area. Alcohol can also mask pain and the severity of the
injury, which may put you at greater risk for re-injury 7. Avoid
drinking alcohol in the initial stages of healing any injury.
 Running/exercise – An increase in heart rate increases the
flow of blood around the body. This will cause blood to
accumulate in the area faster. Take the opportunity to rest.
 Massage – Massaging the area, once again, will stimulate
the flow of blood to the area. Avoid massage in the initial
stages of injury.

17. Types of Dislocation
 Dislocation of lower jaw: it occurs when the chin strikes to
any other object. It may occur if mouth is opened excessively.
 Dislocation of shoulder joint: dislocation of shoulder joint
may occur due to a sudden jerk or a fall over a hard surface.
The end of the humorous comes out from the socket. In face
when your shoulder dislocates, a strong force, such as a
sudden blow to your shoulder. Pulls the bones in your
shoulder out of place.
 Dislocation of hip joint: By putting maximum strength
spontaneously may cause dislocation of hip joint. The end of
the femur is displaced from the socket.
 Dislocation of wrist: A sportsperson who participates in a
sports or game in which he may fall, runs the risk of getting a
dislocated wrist. A miscalculated landing can also cause a
dislocated wrist. Infect, it generally occurs to the person who
use his hand to break his fall.

18. Prevention of Dislocation
 Adequate warming-up should be performed prior to any
activity.
 Proper conditioning should be performed during
preparatory period.
 Stretching exercises should be include in warm-up
 Players should be careful during training and competition.
 Protective equipments should be used
 Players should have good anticipation and concentration
power
 Always obey the rules and regulations.
 Perform regular exercise around your shoulder, hip, and
wrist joints etc.
 Avoid falls or hits as far as possible

19. Types of Fracture
 Stable Fracture: This is the type of fracture that occurs
when an injury causes the bone to break clean, with its
parts in alignment. This means that the bone maintains its
original position.
 Transverse Fracture: A transverse fracture is one that
occurs at a 90-degree angle, straight across the bone. It
happens when the impact comes perpendicular to the site
of injury.
 Comminuted Fracture: A comminuted fracture leaves the
bone in fragments. It is most common after severe trauma,
such as a car accident, and is more likely to occur in the
hands or feet.
 Oblique Fracture: An oblique fracture occurs when the
bone breaks at an angle. It tends to occur most often on

20. Types of Fracture
 Hairline Fracture: A hairline fracture is also known as
a stress fracture and occurs mostly on the legs and
feet. It is a result of repetitive movement and occurs
when athletes suddenly increase the frequency or
intensity of workouts such as running or jogging.
 Greenstick Fracture: In a Greenstick fracture, a
portion of the bone breaks but not completely through.
The injured bone may also bend near the broken
portion. This type of injury is most common in
children.
 Stress fracture: More common among athletes. A
bone breaks because of repeated stresses and
strains.
 Impacted fracture - when the bone is fractured, one
fragment of bone goes into another.

21. Causes of Fracture
In such sports event where there is a high
impact.
Traumatic, forceful and unnatural
movements.
Prolonged long distance walking or
running.
Sudden fall on hard surface.
Direct strike or hit with any solid sports
equipment.
Osteoporosis

22. Management of Fracture
 Elevate the extremity and rest while bone heals
itself.
 Apply ice to the affected part for 24 to 48 hrs
 If pain persists, give painkillers.
 If there is any need of immobilization to the
affected part, use a splint
 After removal of swelling begin to put partial
weight on the affected area.
 Crutches or walking stick may be used in the
beginning. After two weeks start putting normal
weight.
 For 6 to 8 weeks, avoid the activity that caused
stress fracture. Then start doing the activity slowly.

23. First-Aid
 First aid can be defined as the immediate
assistance administered to a person suffering
from a sudden illness attack or an injury. First
aid is the initial intervention given to a person
before taking him/her to the hospital or before
professional medical help is available. It can
be given by a layperson.

24. First Aid – Aims
 To Give Necessary Aid Before Medical Help Arrives
 Reduce infections
 It can save lives
 It can reduce recovery time
 Prevent a severe injury from becoming a chronic
problem
 Prevent excessive blood loss
 Emergency Medical Supply within your home
 Gives you the ability to provide help in emergency
situations

25. Objectives of First-Aid
 One set of goals of first aid is called the
"Three P's":
 Preserve life – stop the person from dying.
 Prevent further injury – stop the person from
being injured even more. If possible, an injured
person should not be moved. ...
 Promote recovery – try to help the person heal
their injuries.