Option: Sports Medicine

5 dot points across 4 inquiry questions, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

How are sports injuries classified and managed?

Classification of sports injuries: direct and indirect, soft tissue (tears, sprains, contusions, skin abrasions, lacerations, blisters) and hard tissue (fractures, dislocations); assessment of injury (TOTAPS)

Injury classification. Direct vs indirect, soft tissue (tears, sprains, contusions, skin injuries) vs hard tissue (fractures, dislocations), and the TOTAPS assessment process.

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Management of sports injuries: soft tissue injury management (RICER for first 48-72 hours, no HARM principle), hard tissue injury management (immobilisation, immediate referral), cramps, concussion management

Injury management. RICER for soft tissue (48-72 hours), no HARM principle, hard tissue management, cramps, and current concussion management protocols.

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How is the rehabilitation process managed?

Rehabilitation procedures: progressive mobilisation, graduated exercise (stretching, conditioning, total body fitness), training, use of heat and cold; return-to-play indicators including pain-free, full range of motion, full strength, peak performance level, specific warm-up, sport-specific skills and tests

Rehabilitation. Progressive mobilisation, graduated exercise, return to training, the use of heat and cold post-acute, and the return-to-play indicators.

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How does sports medicine address the demands of specific athletes?

Sports medicine for specific athletes: children and young athletes, adult and older athletes, female athletes (including the female athlete triad), athletes with disability

Specific athletes. Children and adolescents, older athletes, female athletes (including the female athlete triad/RED-S), and athletes with disability.

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What role do preventative actions play in enhancing the wellbeing of the athlete?

Physical preparation: pre-screening, skill and technique, physical fitness, warm-up and cool-down, taping and bandaging, protective equipment, environmental considerations, hydration and nutrition

Injury prevention. Pre-screening, skill and technique, fitness, warm-up and cool-down, taping and bandaging, protective equipment, environmental factors, and hydration and nutrition.

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