Overtraining
Introduction • Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is a medical disorder occurring in athletes, and it is complicated by several diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Current research in this area is limited by…
Exercise in the Heat and Heat Illness
Heat Production Exercise: The Body’s Furnace due to the Inefficiency of Work • The body utilizes energy in the form of energy-rich chemical compounds to perform work that is required…
Exercise in the Cold and Cold Injuries
General Principles Physiology of Cold Exposure Mechanisms of Heat Loss Radiation • Radiation involves the direct emission or absorption of heat energy from the body (mostly infrared radiation). • Radiation…
Renal and Genitourinary Problems
Anatomy Genitourinary system: Composed of internal and external organs of the urinary and genital/reproductive systems. Both systems are contained in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Urinary system: Comprises kidneys, ureters,…
Drugs and Doping in Athletes
Definition • According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following antidoping rule violations: • Presence of a…
Eating Disorders in Athletes
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) Diagnosis Criteria • Essential features and diagnostic criteria ( Fig. 27.1 ): • Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to a significantly low body weight…
Travel Considerations for the Athlete and Sports Medical Team
General Principles Modern transportation systems facilitate easy access to most regions of the world. While this has allowed for the rapid growth of international competition, it also creates unique physiologic…
Hematologic Problems in Athletes
Sports/Dilutional Anemia Description: Known as dilutional anemia or pseudoanemia Epidemiology: The most common cause of anemia found in the athletic population. Dilutional pseudoanemia is not pathologic but rather an adaptation…
Gastrointestinal Problems
General Principles Exercise does not favor the gastrointestinal (GI) system. During exercise, blood flow is diverted from the splanchnic circulation and preferentially distributed to demanding peripheral muscles. An additional antagonist…
Infections in Athletes
General Principles • There is growing interest in the incidence of infectious disease outbreaks among persons engaging in competitive sports. • Infectious outbreaks can affect sports participation and performance. •…
