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An athlete running a 400-metre race experiences a hamstring strain in the sprint towards the finish line - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 30 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 30
An athlete running a 400-metre race experiences a hamstring strain in the sprint towards the finish line. Explain the classification and management of the athlete’s... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:An athlete running a 400-metre race experiences a hamstring strain in the sprint towards the finish line - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 30 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the classification and management of the athlete’s injury.
Answer
A hamstring strain in an athlete can be classified as a soft tissue injury. This occurs when the muscle fibers of the hamstring are overstretched or torn, often due to sudden movements or excessive exertion. The severity of the strain can be categorized into three grades:
- Grade I (Mild): This involves slight stretching and microscopic tears but is associated with minimal pain and no significant loss of function.
- Grade II (Moderate): This involves a partial tear, resulting in pain, swelling, and some functional impairment.
- Grade III (Severe): This represents a complete tear of the muscle, leading to significant pain, swelling, and inability to use the muscle.
Management of the Injury
The management of a hamstring strain typically follows the RICE protocol:
- Rest: Activity should be minimized to prevent further injury. The athlete may need to stop all activities involving the hamstring.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain. It is recommended to apply ice for 20 minutes every hour initially.
- Compression: Using elastic bandages can help minimize swelling. It’s important to not wrap too tightly, as this can impede blood flow.
- Elevation: Keep the injured leg elevated to reduce swelling. This can be done using pillows while resting.
Follow-up treatments may involve rehabilitation exercises, stretching, and gradual return to sport.
Step 2
Evaluate policies and procedures that address the ethical considerations in determining when an athlete returns to play from injury.
Answer
In the modern sports environment, the decision regarding an athlete’s return to play is critical and must be approached with caution and ethical considerations. Several policies and procedures are in place:
Independent Medical Assessment
Most professional sports organizations require an independent medical assessment before an athlete can return to play. This is essential to ensure that they are physically fit and at no risk of re-injury. The medical team must evaluate the extent of the injury and the athlete's readiness based on objective criteria rather than subjective feelings.
Informed Consent
Athletes should be given all relevant information regarding their injury and the risks associated with returning to play. They must understand the potential for re-injury and any long-term effects on their health. This level of information allows athletes to make informed decisions regarding their return.
Pressure from External Sources
There exists pressure from coaches, fans, and team management for athletes to return quickly. Policies must address this pressure by emphasizing the athlete's health over performance. It is crucial that coaches and medical staff prioritize the athlete's well-being, even if it means delaying their return to play.
Long-term Health
Lastly, ethical considerations resonate through the importance of long-term health versus immediate performance. Policies that promote player safety and health should take precedence over competitive success. With growing awareness of injuries such as concussions, there should be strict guidelines to ensure that athletes do not return prematurely, which could lead to long-lasting health issues.
In summary, the evaluation of return-to-play policies must balance the athlete’s immediate competitive interests with long-term health and well-being, reinforcing the need for a thorough, ethical, and medical-led decision-making process.