IB Sports, exercise and health science B.3.1.1 Internal and External Risk Factors That Predispose Individuals to Injury Notes

Injury and Risk Factors

1. Injury risk refers to the probability or likelihood of sustaining an injury during sports or physical activity.
2. It depends on multiple factors, including the athlete's physical condition, environment, and sport-specific demands.

Magnitude of Risk

1. The risk of injury is not just about how likely it is to happen.
2. It also depends on how severe the injury could be.
3. The magnitude of injury risk depends on two key factors:
   1. Likelihood of risk: How often an injury is expected to occur
   2. Severity of risk: The level of damage or impact an injury may cause

The magnitude of risk is determined using the following equation:

$$\text{Magnitude of risk} = \text{Likelihood of risk} \times \text{Severity of risk}$$

Likelihood categories

1. Almost certain: the event will happen most times the activity is performed.
2. Likely: the event will probably happen at some point.
3. Possible: the event could happen but is not expected.
4. Unlikely: the event is not expected to happen.
5. Rare: the event happens only in exceptional circumstances.

Severity categories

1. Negligible: no real impact, minor discomfort or first-aid only.
2. Minor: short-term symptoms, return within days.
3. Moderate: time off training and structured rehabilitation needed.
4. Major: significant time loss, may end the season.
5. Extreme: career-ending or life-changing.

Internal Factors Affecting Injury Risk (Internal Risk Factors)

Each person brings their own unique set of internal risk factors that can influence their likelihood of injury.

1. Age: affects tissue strength, healing capacity, and recovery time.
2. Sex differences: impact biomechanics, hormone levels, and injury patterns.
3. Pregnancy: changes body mechanics and joint laxity.
4. Training effects: influences muscle strength, flexibility, and technique.
5. Congenital factors: natural variations in anatomy and physiology.
6. Previous injury history: creates potential weak points and compensation patterns.

1. Age

As individuals age, several physiological changes occur that increase their susceptibility to injury.

Muscles

1. Loss of muscle mass: with age, there is a gradual loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), resulting in weaker muscles that are less capable of protecting joints and absorbing force.
2. Reduced muscle elasticity: muscles become less elastic, leading to a higher likelihood of strains, sprains, and tears.
3. Decreased strength and endurance: aging muscles may not generate the same force or sustain activity as effectively, contributing to fatigue-related injury.