Introduction to Exercise Physiology
Sports medicine is a subject that includes exercise science and physiology, as well as the application of scientific methods to diagnose, treat, and prevent athletic injuries. It is often confused with athletic training, which is a discipline of study that involves the application of exercise to improve performance in sports. However, they are two separate subjects and while one can help the other, they should not be thought of as one and the same. Sports medicine is focused on prevention of athletic injuries and treatments of injuries that occur during play.
Sports medicine is focused on preventing athletic injuries that occur during athletic activity. They treat overuse injuries, such as tendinitis, degenerative joint diseases, and acute overuse syndromes. Sports medicine also combines basic medical knowledge with the special principles of sports medicine, including exercise physiology, sports management, and physical assessment. The principles of this science teach that physical activity promotes optimal health and improves an individual’s ability to participate in a variety of physical activities and sports. As such, it is essential for an athlete to consult with a physician and to seek advice concerning his or her pastime and its potential risks and benefits. By following a doctor’s advice and by exercising regularly, a sportsperson can greatly reduce the likelihood of suffering from a sports-related injury.
Some sports may require a large amount of exertion, such as weightlifting, tennis, football, sailing, skiing, basketball, track running, football, swimming, etc. Each sport requires different types of skills and the ability to apply mental and physical strategies to win. Therefore, athletes who compete in these sports must learn to perform at their maximum capacity at all times. At the same time, the competition does not need to be intense; rather, a healthy balance between exercise, recovery, and rest is optimal. A healthy balance between these three components is key to long-term sports performance and health.