Encouraging participation in sport, recreation, and exercise (SRE) among the population offers several physiological, psychological, and social benefits. At the same time, if SRE does not occur within a safe environment, the potential for unwanted injuries increases. These injuries can cut short the careers of athletes and serve as a significant disincentive to engaging in SRE, especially among children and adults.
Over the years, there has been an increase in sporting, recreational, and exercise facilities across the country. Additionally, engagement in physical activity is being driven by several factors, such as:
• Keeping fit and remaining healthy, using sports to develop a career, and keeping up with the “ideal” Western body image.
• At the same time, the state and private institutions seek the social and economic benefits of a highly physically active population, especially with the threat of so many lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
While some population members have a culture of SRE, others may not. The inactive are now striving to establish such a physical active culture. This group requires support and knowledge about minimising the risks of injuries.
SRE injuries can result from several factors. Poor or lack of warm-up drills before any physical activity is among the leading causes of injuries. Warm-up exercises are compulsory before engaging in strenuous physical activities such as running. For instance, failure to properly stretch one’s calves can result in the muscles becoming pulled or even torn while running.
Sports injuries can also result from poor technique or improper training equipment. Failure to master the basic techniques in one’s chosen sport can result in overuse injuries, which, depending on one’s age, can have long-term effects. Tendons, muscles, and bones are the likely victims of poor technique. In activities such as cycling and cricket, especially among juniors, protective helmets should be mandatory to prevent head injuries such as concussions from falling or having the ball crash into one’s head in the case of cricket.
It is worth noting that sports injuries are inevitable. However, following some basic steps can reduce the risk of sustaining injury. Warm-up exercises are critical and should be performed before engaging in any physical activity, especially strenuous ones. Stretching the muscles is an essential activity for warming up.
Working within the strengths and limitations of one capability reduces the risk of injury. Lofty ambitions coupled with improper training, technique, and equipment increase the risk of injuries.
For example, protective equipment, such as shin guards for footballers and protective cups for cricket, must always be worn. Additionally, individuals must seek professional advice from qualified coaches/trainers. The assistance of instructors is paramount to reap the full benefits of weight training and other exercises in gyms while reducing the probability of injury.
Coaches and parents must also be aware of injury prevention and how to respond to injuries. First aid kits and the knowledge of CPR are essential, especially when working with children and the elderly.
Medical check-ups before physical activities are mandatory, especially for first-timers to physical activity or those returning from a long sojourn. In addition to medical check-ups, medical information about medication use, medical ailment, etc., will be instructive in determining the type and kind of exercise individuals can perform. Furthermore, this information will be helpful in the likelihood of an accident or training mishap.
While there is a consensus that the population has to increase its average rate of physical activity, it is equally essential that all the necessary safety measures associated with sports and physical activities are also communicated.
