High-Altitude Training and Competition
Altitude Environment • Barometric pressure is reduced at high altitudes, with a parallel decrease in inspired partial pressure of oxygen (P I O 2 ); thus, hypobaric hypoxia is the…
The Role of Sport Psychology and Psychiatry
What Is Sport Psychology? Definitions • The American Psychological Association (APA) defined sport psychology (SP) as • Helping athletes apply psychological principles to achieve improved or optimal sport performance and…
The Preparticipation Physical Evaluation
Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPPE) • History and physical examination, with additional testing as indicated, is performed before participation in sport that meets several objectives and is one of the most…
The Physically Challenged Athlete
General Considerations Definitions Physically challenged: combines all groups of athletes competing in international competitions such as Paralympics; such athletes have an impairment that limits their ability to participate in athletic…
The Senior Athlete
General Considerations Demographics • It is widely accepted that the average life expectancy continues to increase; as it does, the proportion of older adults in the population also increases. •…
The Pediatric Athlete
General Principles • A pediatric athlete can be any child or adolescent usually under the age of 18 years who participates regularly in sports activities. • Understanding physical and physiologic…
Exercise Prescription and Physiology
Exercise Physiology • Exercise can be defined as “bodily exertion, especially for the sake of training, recreation, or fitness.” • Science of processes and mechanisms of skeletal muscle contraction and…
The Wilderness Athlete and Adventurer
Introduction • Wilderness sports differ from traditional sports in several ways. • Participation levels of athletes may vary: professional, sponsored, and paid athletes; athletic individuals and adventurers; and intermittent recreational…
The Female Athlete
History of Women in Sports • Throughout history, women have participated in sports at much lower rates than men. • The Modern Olympics was first held in 1896; in the…
Sports Pharmacology of Pain and Inflammation Control in Athletes
Overview The pharmacology of pain management in the athletic arena can be a critical component in returning an athlete to play. Several options exist, and choosing an appropriate intervention should…
