Sports Coach :: Climate control: acclimatising to the heat Author: Lisa Yates, Sports Dietitian, The Coaches Edge Issue:Volume 27 Number 1 Exercising in hot, humid conditions when the body is not accustomed to it can place the body under great stress. The demand for circulation to working muscles, which are producing heat, overtakes the need for blood flow to the skin to transport heat away from the body. As a result, body temperature rises. What is heat acclimatisation? The benefits of heat acclimatisation have been known for many years (Robinson 1967). What are the benefits of being heat acclimatised? Acclimatisation produces: a lower heart rate at a given heat and exercise stress level better maintenance of core body temperature reduction in the sweating threshold increased distribution of active sweat glands increased sweat rate an increased sweating sensitivity to increasing core body temperature a reduction in the loss of water and electrolytes from the kidneys (Robinson 1967). How can coaches ‘climate control’ their athletes? References
SPEEDO LZR RACER - the world's fastest swimsuit Ryan Lochte (USA) swims in the new Speedo LZR RACER Image Gallery (2 images) February 14, 2008 Following three years of research that included input from NASA, tests on more than 100 different fabrics and suit designs and body scans of more than 400 elite swimmers, Speedo has launched its most hydro-dynamically advanced - and fastest - swimsuit to date. The SPEEDO® LZR RACER™ is made from a unique lightweight, water repellent and fast-drying fabric that has been developed to reduce drag and help hold the swimmer’s body in a more streamlined shape. Speedo says the suit has been independently tested as the "world's fastest", a claim that translates to up to 5% more efficiency for swimmers and hopefully, at least for Michael Phelps and other elite athletes donning the suit in Beijing later in the year, more gold medals. The specially engineered, highly flexible fabric called LZR PULSE™is ultrasonically welded so as to appear seamless. About the Author Related Articles
ACHPER NSW - Professional association for health, physical education and recreation professionals Thumb Taping - Thumb Strapping - Strap Thumb Health > Taping Techniques > Thumb Taping The following thumb taping techniques are designed to support the thumb and reduce stress on the thumb during activity. They can be used for both the treatment and prevention of thumb injuries. You should discuss the suitability of these thumb taping techniques with your physiotherapist prior to using them. Generally, they should only be applied provided they are comfortable and do not cause an increase in pain, discolouration, pins and needles, numbness, swelling, itchiness or excessive redness of the hand, wrist, fingers or thumb. What sort of tape should be used to tape my thumb? There are many different tapes and bandages available for use by physiotherapists and patients. Benefits of Thumb Taping When used correctly, thumb taping techniques can: Aid healing of thumb injuries. Indications for Thumb Taping It is generally beneficial to tape a thumb in the following instances: When should I avoid Thumb Taping? Thumb Taping Techniques Anchor Side Loop
Supplements Vitamin and mineral supplementation continues to be a contentious issue amongst health professionals. The common catch-cry of the medical community is that vitamins and minerals are adequately available from our food. It’s hard to appreciate the credibility of this advice, when it is delivered from a profession that receives negligible nutrition training. In Australia, this claim contrasts in stark hypocrisy against laws prescribing the mandatory fortification of bread with thiamine and salt with iodine. In addition, folic acid supplementation in pregnant women is a recommended requirement to protect an unborn child from developing spina bifida. But we’re meant to be getting that from our foods, right? The inconvenient reality is that food ‘ain’t what it used to be. Whilst sustainable agricultural practices such as biodynamic farming aim to restore our soils to health, we have considerable work to do before this option is universally adopted and available to everyone. Vitamin C
ARC :: Assessment Resource Centre Ankle Taping - Ankle Strapping Health > Taping Techniques > Ankle Taping The following ankle taping techniques are designed to support the ankle and reduce stress on the ankle during activity. They can be used for both the treatment and prevention of ankle injuries.You should discuss the suitability of these taping techniques with your physiotherapist prior to using them. Generally, they should only be applied provided they are comfortable and do not cause an increase in pain, discolouration, pins and needles, numbness or excessive redness of the foot and ankle. What sort of tape should be used to tape my ankle? There are many different tapes and bandages available for use by physiotherapists and patients. Benefits of Ankle Taping When used correctly, ankle taping techniques can: Indications for Ankle Taping It is generally beneficial to tape an ankle in the following instances: When should I avoid Ankle Taping? Ankle taping should be avoided in the following instances: Ankle Taping Techniques Anchor Figure 1 – Anchor Stirrups
Inspiring Our Children to Pursue STEM Through the Olympics | Vince Bertram The world's top athletes are competing at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Their talents and abilities are truly amazing. Their preparation and dedication to their sport and their country are inspiring. No doubt, millions of children watch these athletes with similar dreams of achieving athletic excellence. From the half pipe to the ice rink and the snowboard to the speed skating suit, STEM experts make the 2014 Winter Games possible. The clothing worn by our athletes is just as intricately designed and manufactured. Engineers also play a vital role in the stadiums, arenas and venues in which our athletes perform. Consider Shaun White and the half pipe. But to perfectly execute those tricks, the athlete and his or her coaches and trainers must be knowledgeable in STEM as well. STEM is the foundation of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Athletics are important in our culture and in teaching our children life lessons and skills.
Are sports drinks better than water when exercising? - Health & Wellbeing A: Sometimes, it depends on the individual situation Our expert: Profesor Louise Burke and Professor Clare Collins Published 21/07/2011 [Image source: iStockPhoto] Should you take a bottle of sports drink down to the gym when you do that hour's aerobics class? Will you feel ill effects without it? Well, whether you would benefit from consuming a sports drink depends on the events you are taking part in and your goals, says Professor Louise Burke of the Australian Institute of Sport. Sports drinks typically contain water and electrolytes (usually sodium and potassium) for rehydration and carbohydrates (as sugars) for energy. They were invented in the 60s to replenish fluid and provide extra fuel for intense sporting activity of a long duration (more than 90 minutes). "If you're in the gym pedalling to lose weight while you read a magazine, then you don't need a sports drink, just drink water," says Burke, who runs the nutrition program for the elite athletes at the institute. Use water: