Competitive sports present a variety of risks to the participants. Sports can be separated into different groups based on the dynamic and static components and on the associated risks.
Exercise types:
(1) dynamic: involves change in muscle length and joint movement with rhythmic contractions which develop a relatively small intramuscular force. Dynamic exercise tends to place a volume load on the left ventricle.
(2) static: involves development of a relatively large intramuscular force with little or no change in muscle length or joint movement. Static exercise tends to place a pressure load on the cardiovascular system.
Each type can be separated into low, moderate and high levels of exercise.
Risks:
(1) bodily collision with other participants or a physical object
(2) if syncope occurs
|
Low Static |
Low Dynamic |
Moderate Dynamic |
High Dynamic |
|
low collision low syncope |
billiards, bowling, cricket, curling, golf, rifle shooting |
baseball, softball, table tennis, doubles tennis, volleyball |
badminton, cross-country skiing (classic), orienteering, race walking, racquetball, long distance running, squash, singles tennis |
|
low collision high syncope |
|
|
|
|
high collision low syncope |
|
|
field hockey, soccer |
|
high collision high syncope |
|
|
|
|
Moderate Static |
Low Dynamic |
Moderate Dynamic |
High Dynamic |
|
low collision low syncope |
archery |
fencing, jumping, sprint running |
cross country skiing (skating type), middle distance running, team handball |
|
low collision high syncope |
|
synchronized swimming |
swimming |
|
high collision low syncope |
|
figure skating, American football, rugby |
basketball, ice hockey, Australian football, lacrosse |
|
high collision high syncope |
auto racing, diving, equestrian, motorcycling |
rodeoing, surfing |
|
where:
• American football and swimming were listed in the table as low risk for collision and syncope.
|
High Static |
Low Dynamic |
Moderate Dynamic |
High Dynamic |
|
low collision low syncope |
throwing, sailing |
|
canoeing, kayaking, decathlon, rowing, speed skating |
|
low collision high syncope |
|
|
|
|
high collision low syncope |
karate, judo |
wrestling |
boxing |
|
high collision high syncope |
bobsledding, gymnastics, luge, rock climbing, water skiing, weight lifting, wind surfing |
body building, downhill skiing, |
cycling |
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic
