Osteoarthritis: Maintaining Mobility and Function
Elite athletes are exposed to long hours of intense and physically demanding training and competition. Often the commitment to this level of training begins at a young age and may involve repetitive movements, contact with opponents, and insufficient recovery. Given this reality, and despite the innumerable physical, psychological and social benefits, sport is a leading cause of joint injuries. Joint injuries can have negative consequences. In the short-term, joint injuries can lead to reduced performance, missed training and competition, re-injury and surgery. In the long-term, they are associated with inactivity, obesity, reduced quality-of-life and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. This chapter in The Secret Balance of Champions focusses on osteoarthritis and its functional consequences.
Health Experts
Jackie L Whittaker & Gino MMJ Kerkhoffs
