Encouraging participation in sports, recreation and exercise (SRE) among the population offers several physiological, psychological and social benefits. At the same time if SRE does not take place within a safe environment, the potential for unwanted injuries increases. These injuries can cut short the careers of athletes as well as serve as a major disincentive to engaging in SRE especially among children and the adult population.
In recent years the supply and demand of sporting, recreational and exercise facilities- parks, gyms, sporting arenas has been increasing. Engagement in physical activity is being driven by several factors such as keeping fit and remaining healthy, using sports as a vehicle for developing a career and keeping up with the "ideal" western body image.
Females are encouraged to strive for slim image with well-toned abdominals, buttocks and legs while men are encouraged to sport the chiselled muscular look- chest, arms and stomach. At the same time the state and private institutions seek the social and economic benefits of a highly physical active population especially with the threat of so many lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
While some members of the population have a culture of participation in SRE, others may not. The inactive are now striving to establish such a sporting culture. It is this group which requires urgent attention not only in encouraging participation in SRE but also in ensuring the risks of injuries are minimised.
Sports, recreation and exercise injuries can result from several factors. Poor warming up before starting any physical activity is probably the main factor. 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 the use of poor technique or improper training equipment. Failure to master the basic techniques in one's chosen sport can result in overuse injuries which pending 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, the use of the protective helmets should be mandatory to prevent the possibility of head injuries from falling or having the ball crash into one's head in the case of cricket.
Striving to achieve too much without proper preparation–fitness level and technique–can also result in lofty ambitions becoming easily frustrated with injuries from overtraining. Persons have to know their strengths and limitations and work within these boundaries.
It is worthy to note that sport injuries are inevitable however, at the same time the risk of sustaining injury can be reduced by following some basic steps. Warm up exercises are critical and should be performed before engaging any physical activity especially those that are strenuous in nature. Stretching of the muscles is essential activity of warming up.
Working within the strengths and limitations of one capability will go a long way toward reducing the risk of injury. The recommended protective equipment for the sport/s played must be used at all time. For example shin guards for football and protective cup for cricket. Additionally, seeking professional advice from qualified coaches/trainers should always be part of one's strategy to become better in their chosen sporting activity.
Technique is critical when working out at gyms in order to get the full benefits of the specific exercises while at the same time ensuring that injuries are not sustained.
All sporting buildings/facilities must be accessible persons of all age groups as well as persons with disabilities. No one should be discouraged from engaging in physical activity because he or she safety is not assured.
Coaches and parents have to be aware of the strategies to prevent and deal with the occurrences of injuries. First aid kits and the knowledge of CPR are important especially when dealing with children and the elderly.
Medical check-ups prior to the start of physical activities are mandatory especially for persons who may have never taken part in strenuous physical activity. Additionally, and related to medical check-ups is the provision of medical information as it relates to any medical ailment etc. This information can go a long way in terms of the type and kind of exercise one would be allowed to do in organised sports be it at schools, gyms and clubs. This information will also be useful in the likelihood of an accident or training mishap.
While there is general consensus that the population has to increase its average rate of physical activity, it is equally important that all the necessary safety measures associated with sports and physical activities are also communicated.
The benefits of sports, recreation and exercise will always outweigh the risks of injuries once the basic precautionary measures are taken.