Summarizes recommendations from the 1992 National Conference on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiac Care. Because team physicians may have to provide basic life support for athletes or spectators, knowing current (CPR) protocol is essential in developing emergency response plans and training personnel. Practice removing…

Children are especially vulnerable to solar injury and heat illness. Physicians can lower children's risk through education about short-term and long-term sequelae and through various prevention efforts. The paper discusses how to screen for risk factors and how to prevent and treat heat illness and solar injury. (SM)

Reviews possible mechanisms by which exercise lowers blood pressure and discusses research which indicates exercise is an effective therapy for hypertension. The article presents information to help physicians counsel hypertensive patients wanting to start an exercise program and examines the use of exercise testing to predict the onset of…

Exercise can help patients maintain lean body mass during weight loss. Although exercise is not extremely useful in shedding excess pounds, it helps keep off weight lost through calorie restriction. This article discusses the specifics of exercise prescription, types of exercise, motivation to exercise, and special problems such as diabetes. (SM)

Survey of 100 young female gymnasts examined injuries over a 40-month period. Injury rates were similar to those found in other studies of female competitive gymnasts, but there were several notable findings regarding injury patterns. Prevention methods to reduce injury include modifying mat design and prescribing strengthening and stretching…

Examines the effect of caffeine consumption on fit, healthful lifestyles, discussing its effects on the heart and respiration and noting its psychological effects on some athletes. Moderate caffeine use will not cause problems for most people, but anyone susceptible to its effects (e.g., with arrhythmias) may want to avoid caffeine. (SM)

Discusses the basics of the preparticipation exam, focusing on aspects specific to females, such as menstrual dysfunction, disordered eating, and orthopedic problems such as scoliosis and patellofemoral pain. Health history questionnaire and other parts of the exam are included in six tables. (SM)

Innovations in equipment and changes in social attitudes are tearing down barriers to sports participation for individuals with disabilities. Many people still do not know about the array of opportunities available, and physicians are uniquely positioned to help them discover the sporting events and fitness options open to them. (SM)

The second of a two-part series on contraindications to athletic activity, this article examines the sensory, spinal, gastrointestinal, systemic, hematologic, and dermatologic conditions that warrant activity disqualification and provides guidelines about when it is safe to participate. Activity considerations for individuals who have lost a…

Presents results of an investigation comparing energy cost and cardiovascular responses of aerobic dance routines performed at different intensity levels in varying amounts of energy expenditure. For low-impact dance to meet minimum guidelines suggested by the American College of Sports Medicine, it should be performed at high intensity. (SM)

Discusses steps that professional sports organizations are taking to identify athletes with drinking problems and help them reach full recovery. Many teams are taking preventive steps such as offering information about the dangers of alcohol, issuing new policies dealing with players' rights and providing for employee assistance programs. (SM)

Results of a questionnaire administered to 43 wheelchair road racers suggest that their medical problems may lead to complications while training or racing. The study looked at the effects of training, injuries, bladder management, medications, and spasms. Sports medicine professionals are provided with information on handling disabled athletes.…

Analysis of 41 injured college athletes' responses to a questionnaire revealed that those athletes who adhered to their rehabilitation program were more self-motivated, tolerated pain better, perceived that they worked harder at their rehabilitation, and were less bothered by scheduling of sessions and athletic training environmental conditions.…

Clinical experience and recent research challenge the current standards of exercise duration and intensity for pregnant women. By carefully assessing patients' self-monitoring techniques, physicians can work with active women to create safe exercise programs during pregnancy. Safety guidelines for developing home exercise programs are included.…

Discusses the differences between exercise alone and exercise with medication (e.g., diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors) for treating hypertensive patients. Guidelines are presented for physicians wanting to change the therapeutic regimen or to step down from medical therapy, noting exercise must always be part of the program. (SM)