ACSM Winter Olympics Expert Commentary

Latest news from Team USA Paralympics

2010-03-18T09:46:35-04:00

Allison Jones (Colorado Springs, Colo.) was the top U.S. finisher in Monday's standing slalom races. Jones took fifth place in the women's race, while Monte Meier (Park City, Utah) had the highest placing for the men in eighth.

Team USA had a great day on the curling ice Monday, defeating Italy and Great Britain. The win over GB came on the last rock, in extra ends. Team USA is currently tied with Canada for first place with four games remaining in round robin play.

Kelly Underkofler (St. Paul, Minn.) was the only U.S. athlete to hit the cross country track on Monday. Underkofler took eighth place in the women's standing 15km event.

Andy Soule (Pearland, Texas), a retired U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, won a bronze medal in the biathlon pursuit on Saturday 3/13 to claim the first U.S. medal of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

On Sunday 3/14, Stephani Victor (Park City, Utah) led the way for Team USA in Whistler, winning silver in the women's sit-ski slalom. This is Victor's third career Paralympic medal and the first U.S. alpine skiing medal of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

Five-time Paralympian Chris Waddell was inducted into the Visa Paralympic Hall of Fame on Sunday, becoming the first American to receive the honor. Waddell has a career 12 winter Paralympic medals and one summer Paralympic medal.

ACSM Fellows participate in Paralympic team physician conference

2010-03-15T16:36:45-04:00

Health care professionals who work with Paralympic athletes convened today at the first-ever National Paralympic Committee Team Physician Conference.

The conference focused on Medical Care and Services in the Paralympic Winter Sports Environment. Several ACSM Fellows served as presenters, including Walter Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM, and Stuart Willick, M.D., FACSM.

For all Paralympics developments and news, visit www.paralympic.org.

Three inspiring Paralympics stories

2010-03-15T14:49:37-04:00

The Paralympic Games have begun! Read on for three inspiring stories (courtesy of the U.S. Olympic Committee) of Paralympians in this year's Games. Which Paralympian's story touches your heart the most?

Alexi Salamone. Adopted from the Ukraine after being born with deformed legs as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Alexi just wanted to be like other kids. Wrestling and sled hockey made that possible. Now years later, Alexi has been named to his second U.S. Paralympic Team.

Heath Calhoun. After losing both legs while serving in Iraq as a squad leader for the 101st airborne, Heath learned to ski through the Disabled Sports USA Wounded Warrior Project and the Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. Paralympic sport became a critical part of his rehabilitation. His three-year-old son now says, "Daddy, you can run with me again." Heath has been named to the U.S. Paralymic Team and is honored to be the U.S. Flag Bearer for Opening Ceremonies.

Nikko Landerros. A high school wrestler, Nikko and his best friend were hit by a car in 2007. Both boys lost their legs. Shortly after, Nikko toured the Olympic Training Center, visited with Paralympic ambassadors, and was introduced to sled hockey. Today Nikko is a proud member of the 2010 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team.

Paralympic Hall of Fame inductees announced

2010-03-04T13:49:31-05:00

The IPC has selected three Paralympic greats for induction in 2010. They are cross-country skier Tanja Kari (FIN), alpine skier Chris Waddell (USA), and Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing coach Rolf Hettich (GER). The three inductees were nominated by member organizations of the IPC based on their athletic performance, history of fair play and participation in community service. Kari, Waddell and Hettich then were selected by the IPC's Governing Board.

The Paralympic Hall of Fame ensures that a permanent record and institutional memory is kept of top Paralympic athletes and coaches of all time, thus honouring the performers who achieved a high and sustained level of success in the Paralympic Summer and Winter Games.

In order to be eligible, athletes and coaches must have achieved a very high and sustained level of success at the Paralympic Games. They must also have consistently displayed a spirit of fair play, and made a positive contribution to the Paralympic Movement. They must have ceased their participation in Paralympic sporting competition for at least four years (one Paralympic Games cycle).

Paralympic Hall of Fame election and induction ceremonies are held in conjunction with the Paralympic Summer and Winter Games, and consequently take place only during those years in which the Paralympic Games are held. The Paralympic Hall of Fame currently exists as a virtual Hall of Fame on the IPC Website at http://www.paralympic.org/hof/main.html.

Previous Paralympic Hall of Fame inductees are:

2006 - Annemie Schneider (Germany) - Alpine Skiing;
Jouko Grip (Finland) - Nordic Skiing;
Ulla Renvall (Sweden) - Nordic Skiing (Coach and Guide).

2008 - Connie Hansen (Denmark) - Athletics; Claudia Hengst (Germany) - Swimming;
Peter Homann (Australia) - Cycling;
Andre Viger (Canada) - Athletics;
Kevin McIntosh (Australia) - Cycling.

Latest news from the Paralympic Games

2010-03-02T16:28:08-05:00

Paralympics Go Multimedia
As the entire media team of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) will soon be heading to Canada for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, all preparations are in their final stages. The Games do not begin for another 11 days, however various tools and channels are already in place to relay as much information as possible to Paralympic fans around the world... Read m ore

Paralympics in Vancouver 2010
The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), and the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), announced on 25 February that Sam Sullivan will be Canada's Paralympic Ambassador and also announced additional funding for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. As Canada's Paralympic Ambassador, Mr. Sullivan will bring a greater visibility to the Paralympic Movement while showcasing Canadian leadership and athletic excellence.

Watch the action in Vancouver at the Paralympics - right at your own desk! Click here for an online viewing lineup.

Traumatic Brain Injury

2010-02-26T15:07:37-05:00

By Erik Brand MD MSc, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Richard Zorowitz, M.D., Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

Erik Brand is a volunteer with Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. He is stationed as part of the Venue Transport Team at the Whistler Sliding Centre, location of luge,skeleton and bob sleigh.

The severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained by snowboarder Kevin Pearce while training for an Olympics qualifier gives healthcare providers, coaches and athletes an opportunity to raise awareness about common signs, symptoms, treatment, and prevention strategies in hopes of improving athlete safety.

Epidemiology
TBI constitutes an estimated 15-20% of the 600,000 annual injuries related to skiing and snowboarding (Mueller et al., 2008). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006) estimate that 2% of the U.S. population live with some degree of disability from TBI, and approximately 80% of TBIs are “mild TBIs” (Kraus et al., 1996).

Definition and Mechanism
TBI occurs when a blow to the head causes an abrupt acceleration/deceleration of the brain that results in a variety of physical, neurological, and neuropsychological sequelae (Erlanger, 2003; Iverson, 2004; McCory et al., 2002). The World Health Organization (2004) and American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (1993) define mild TBI as any period of loss of consciousness, loss of memory for events immediately before or after the accident, mental status change at the time of the accident, and focal neurologic deficits. Post-traumatic amnesia typically is the most specific diagnostic feature (Ruff et al., 2006).

Diagnosis

Mild TBIs go under-diagnosed since most people seek no care or defer medical consultation (National Institutes of Health, 1998; Kay et al., 1992: Langlois et al., 2003; Mellnick et al., 2003; Sosin et al., 1996). The National Academy of Neuropsychology (2009) reports that mild TBIs are challenging to diagnose due to a lack of consensus on definition and diagnostic criteria, lack of neuroimaging findings, and rapid resolution of acute signs and symptoms. The diagnosis of mild TBI should be based upon clinical characteristics and not neuropsychological testing alone (Ruff et al., 2009).

Return-to-play
Athletes should not return to play until neurocognitive function returns to and remains at baseline during graded increases in non-contact sport-specific movements. Because the brain of young athletes is susceptible to more serious injury during the recovery period (Bruce et al., 1981; Kelly et al., 1997; McQuillen et al., 1988), a second blow could lead to loss of cerebrovascular autoregulation, brain swelling, and death (Cantu 1998, Kelly et al., 1997). The National Academy of Neuropsychology (2007) recommends conservative management, consisting of neuropsychological testing, reaction time, attention, memory, and speed of mental processing.

Prognosis
Most athletes recover completely within one month of injury (Collins et al., 2006). However, athletes with mild TBI are 4-6 times more likely to suffer a second concussion (Guskiewicz et al., 2003), and three or more concussions are associated with neurological and neuropsychological deficits and slow recovery (Gaetz et al. 2000, Iverson et al., 2004, Guskiewicz et al., 2003).

Prevention

An athlete suspected of sustaining a mild TBI must be cleared by a physician before returning to play. Education for coaches, youth athletes, and parents is critical in diagnosing and treating mild TBI.

Question: Should baseline neuropsychological testing be a requirement of pre-participation physical examinations for winter and other athletes?

For full references and educational resources, please see the National Academy of Neuropsychology: http://nanonline.org/NAN/ResearchPublications/Educationpapers.aspx

Helmet specifications for various winter sports are published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov/nsn/Helmets.pdf

Women’s Hockey Overview – Vancouver Olympics 2010

2010-02-25T16:52:13-05:00

By Michael Miao, M.D.

Women’s hockey is poised for a comeback. After winning the gold medal in Japan during the 1998 Winter Games, the USA Women’s Olympic Team garnered silver in 2002 and a bronze 2006. After that, there was a major shift in the management, development and selection processes leading to the new-and-improved 2010 team. The current team boasts previous Olympians as well as several outstanding newcomers that give the USA team a solid chance to regain the gold this year in Vancouver.

Although smaller and lighter in stature than their male counterparts, there is no less the level of skating or shooting talent among these women. With a no-checking policy in the sport, the women rely even more on finesse-related skills and a team approach to accomplish their goals. But don’t be lulled into thinking that this is a gentile sport. These ladies are tough, strong competitors who brave the same hazards commonly associated with the sport. In the two weeks of the Games, the team will need to stay healthy and injury-free to pull out the gold in the end.

The preparation for these players has revolved around extensive core and strength training, cardiovascular training, skills and team play development, nutritional support and mental preparation. They have endured a grueling series of training and selection camps with several international events to test their mettle. Even the development of the Blaine residency camp in Minnesota has added to the success of retaining seasoned players for the next championship.

During this process, there have been injuries that range from simple muscle sprains to concussions and joint dislocations and fractures. There has been a concerted effort by the ATCs, EMTs and physicians who oversee these events to provide top-notch medical and trauma care to these athletes. On the back side, the physical and massage therapists have worked tirelessly to provide supplementary care to prepare injured bodies to return to play.

If the level of play and success that the National Team has demonstrated in recent months is any indication, the Women’s Olympic Hockey Team is ready to return glory to the United States in Vancouver. Go USA!

Post your comments: What do readers and followers of women’s hockey think may be the most important changes in training and player selection for this U.S. team that may help lead them to gold in Vancouver? What other factors may be important to the team’s success?

A Great Day to Skate

2010-02-24T17:20:37-05:00

By Gemmie S. Devera, PA-C, MPH

In April 1997, I visited Thomas Creek Ice Arena in New York and skated to Jewel’s “You Were Meant for Me.” As the lyrics played “Dreams last so long even after you’re gone,” I observed that skating requires a person to stay in the present and enjoy the moment. That thought was fitting because “Enjoy the Moment” is one of the mottos for this year’s Olympic Games. During that visit, I skated with several skaters in their 60s and 70s and learned that one can skate for a lifetime. At my home rink, skaters and coaches inspire me with quality triple jumps and crisp footwork sequences long after their competitive days have ended.

Skating has many benefits. A low-impact, weight-bearing activity, skating does not strain the knees unless the skater attempts the jumps or spins. The activity has both aerobic and anaerobic components from stroking and from the jumps and spins. Skaters can pursue the sport as an individual or group activity. Skating builds body awareness in space and teaches valuable life lessons such as goal-setting and learning to rise after a fall. Skaters all begin from ground zero, so anyone can learn to skate. Learning to skate is like learning to ride a bike because muscle memory makes skating skills almost instinctive.

Two organizations sponsor skating in the United States. The ice rink industry runs the Ice Skating Institute of America, a recreational organization. United States Figure Skating, the sport’s national governing body, sends athletes to competitive events such as the Olympic Games. U.S. Figure Skating has additional disciplines such as Adult, Masters, Collegiate, Synchronized, Theatre on Ice, and the Special Olympics. Skating offers something for all ages and abilities.

After the Winter Games end, the performances will linger in our minds. Perhaps they will inspire some to experience the pure joy of gliding across the ice. The triumph of the human spirit at the Games builds the dream for a new generation of Olympic skaters. Skaters can draw inspiration from the stories of Shen and Zhao, Pairs Gold medalists, the men’s skaters who have battled injuries to make it to the Olympic Games, the French ice dancers who returned to competition after Delobel gave birth, and the ladies’ competitive fire. In the words of U.S. Figure Skating, “It’s a great day to skate!”

Discussion question: What other activities are enjoyable, sport-focused approaches to physical activity?

Tune in to the Paralympics!

2010-02-24T17:11:48-05:00

Can't get enough of the athletic competition in Vancouver? It doesn't end after this week; the Paralympics will showcase elite athletes in sports such as downhill skiing, ice sledge hockey, wheelchair curling, and more. Watch the Paralympic Games online at paralympicsport.tv.

Download the Paralympicsports.tv viewing schedule

Postcard from the Vancouver Olympics #4

2010-02-24T17:07:48-05:00

By Diane Hart

Well, I thought I would need gloves at the women's half-pipe snowboard competition but instead found most of the women in the crowd wearing tank tops to take advantage of the bright sun and mid-50s temperatures when the competition began. Cypress Mountain was the venue and they had done an amazing job of grooming what snow they received to keep the pipe safe and snow-covered for the competitors.

It should be noted that one never knows when the fitness level we work so hard to attain and maintain will come in handy. I was very happy that I brought my "fitness" with me when I viewed the 29 flights of steep stairs (over 35 in. each flight) I needed to climb to arrive at the seats for the snowboard competition. Well worth the climb and challenging especially after walking over miles miles from the bus to the venue. VANOC (the Vancouver Olympic Committee) did a great job in communicating to spectators that getting to and from events would be an endurance test and every hour I have spent in my life doing cardio, strength training, Pilates and stretching really paid off!

During the competition, I was especially proud of our USA women – Hannah Teter from Vermont, who won the Silver Medal, and Kelly Clark, who won the bronze medal. Louie Vito, USA male snowboarder, was in the spectator section happily posing for photos and signing autographs.

On Friday my alarm went off at 2 a.m. so that I could take a cab to the Sky Ride at Grouse Mountain by 3 a.m. to be in line to obtain the first 100 free tickets to the top of Grouse Mountain to watch the Today Show, which began live at 4 a.m.. (I was number 91 in line.) Hannah Teter and Kelly Clark were guests and I got great photos with them as well as Meredith Viera and Ann Curry. How interesting to see how the Today Show is produced from behind the scenes – and when I thought it couldn't be more interesting around the outside fire pit where the show is broadcast, in walks Evan Lysacek fresh from winning the men's figure skating Gold Medal. He also graciously posed for photos with the crowd and even let people touch his medal. He had not even gone to bed after his performance in order to appear live on the Today Show. Former Olympic medalist Scott Hamilton was there to congratulate Evan. The Sky Ride was similar to trams in Switzerland and transports up to 100 people on sturdy cables thousands of feet in the air to the summit of Grouse Mountain. I held my breath...another reason to bring fitness along.

The hot souvenir item this week has gone from the red Olympic mittens with the maple leaf logo to the grey wool sweater with the moose on the front and "CANADA" on the back. When I arrived last week the price of this hand-made sweater was $100 and it is now $350 because of popularity. I was told that the indigenous people of Canada had the rights to the design of the sweater and would receive 50% of the profits, which is a great thing. "True North, Strong and Free" and "With Glowing Hearts" are lyrics from “O Canada!,” the Canadian national anthem and are the mottos of the week. Much has been made of the transportation glitches to and from venues; however, a little patience (which a New Yorker like myself has learned from the Canadians in the past 10 days) and a little planning (and the choice to walk instead of riding whenever possible) have been my solution to the 2-1/2 hr. wait for the SeaBus, which connects downtown Vancouver with north Vancouver and the mountains. I have found the wait for the SkyTrain (Vancouver's subway) has been extremely reasonable.

Men's long-hill ski jumping was on my agenda for Saturday and it was another amazingly warm day at the venue on Whistler Mountain – the highest elevation of the mountains surrounding Vancouver. The views on the way up and back were breathtaking and the best vistas in the Canadian northwest Cascade Mountains. They are clearly million-dollar views and another perfectly clear day to view the competition. The European countries dominated the day, but respectable jumps were presented by the two U.S. men competitors – one from Lake Placid, New York. I stood by a contingent of warm-hearted Swiss families who were in ecstasy when Switzerland won the competition. Clearly after watching over 120 jumps, Simon Ammann, the Gold Medal athlete, possessed a mastery of this sport that sent chills through the crowd. I counted more than 20 different flags (some so large they had to be supported by helium balloons to stay aloft) among the spectators and can now recognize most of them – certainly educational!

While walking two miles uphill from the bus to the Whistler Mountain venue, a brief respite to the spectator was given in the form of watching a native carver create a 40-foot totem pole, hand-carving each design with a small knife. The pole was about 30% complete and his goal was to have the work completed by the end of the Games. I marveled at the intricacy of the design which was drawn on the huge block of cedar wood.

An invitation to attend a dinner reception at the U.S. House brought not only excellent American cuisine but an opportunity to rub elbows with former Olympians Jeremy Bloom, Paul Naber, and Donna Weinbrecht. Paul Naber stated that "America doesn't send the athletes to the Olympics but Americans do" in the form of donations to the U.S. Olympic Committee and also corporate sponsors. Great night of photo ops followed by shopping at the USA Team Store.