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158 Masters sport in central Australia
Masters sport in central australia
158
G. Thompson*
In 1986, little was understood about Sports Medicine issues relating competitive athletes the over 35yr age group. At the same time, the many benefits of regular physical activity, with regard to general good health, and life quality, were being reported. As a result, regular exercise was being recommended by doctors, often with little knowledge as to what type of exercise, how often, to what intensity, and in ignorance of the potential problems which might arise. In 1986, "Masters Sport" festivals were in their infancy, and there was little knowledge of the expected injury patterns, and, as a consequence, how to prepare to cover these events. THIS PAPER looks at some of these topics. A 2-yearly recurring "Masters Games" event was established in 1986, in Alice Springs, a popular tourist town situated in the central desert area of Australia. Nine such events having been held thus far. Some 30,000 athletes, ages 35-85 years, and at all levels of training and expertise have participated in, at times, trying desert heat. We look at the emerging injury patterns as they relate to age, sport played, and present some unexpected findings.
Sports physiotherapy in Alice Springs
159
P. Tessmann-Alice Springs Physiotherapy& Sports Injury Clinic
A poster presentation: I will present a poster to the conference delegates, which endeavours to demonstrate .the challenges facing a Sports Physiotherapist working in Central Australia. I will take people on a walk through the beauty of the countryside whilst demonstrating some of the unique approaches to rehabilitation & training facing athletes & recreational sportsmen. I will aim to entice the delegates to explore employment & touring options through the heart of Australia. The distances travelled for treatment; the tack of facilities "out bush", access only to a visiting Sports Physician, no sports science laboratories or sports medicine clinics, the nearest MRI 1,500kms north or south will be examined humorously & the conclusion will be in the rewards & opportunities that are offered to health professionals prepared to take the challenge.
92
158
G. Thompson*
In 1986, little was understood about Sports Medicine issues relating competitive athletes the over 35yr age group. At the same time, the many benefits of regular physical activity, with regard to general good health, and life quality, were being reported. As a result, regular exercise was being recommended by doctors, often with little knowledge as to what type of exercise, how often, to what intensity, and in ignorance of the potential problems which might arise. In 1986, "Masters Sport" festivals were in their infancy, and there was little knowledge of the expected injury patterns, and, as a consequence, how to prepare to cover these events. THIS PAPER looks at some of these topics. A 2-yearly recurring "Masters Games" event was established in 1986, in Alice Springs, a popular tourist town situated in the central desert area of Australia. Nine such events having been held thus far. Some 30,000 athletes, ages 35-85 years, and at all levels of training and expertise have participated in, at times, trying desert heat. We look at the emerging injury patterns as they relate to age, sport played, and present some unexpected findings.
Sports physiotherapy in Alice Springs
159
P. Tessmann-Alice Springs Physiotherapy& Sports Injury Clinic
A poster presentation: I will present a poster to the conference delegates, which endeavours to demonstrate .the challenges facing a Sports Physiotherapist working in Central Australia. I will take people on a walk through the beauty of the countryside whilst demonstrating some of the unique approaches to rehabilitation & training facing athletes & recreational sportsmen. I will aim to entice the delegates to explore employment & touring options through the heart of Australia. The distances travelled for treatment; the tack of facilities "out bush", access only to a visiting Sports Physician, no sports science laboratories or sports medicine clinics, the nearest MRI 1,500kms north or south will be examined humorously & the conclusion will be in the rewards & opportunities that are offered to health professionals prepared to take the challenge.
92