DIFFERENTIATED APPROACH TO SPORTS INJURY PREVENTION AT DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS

Abstract

Aim. The paper aims to identify pathognomonic signs of connective tissue dysplasia at different age periods in people with repetitive musculoskeletal injuries and to develop an effective injury prevention program for people involved in sport. Materials and methods. Seventy-eight people were examined and divided into two age groups (first and second adulthood) for comparative analysis. The connective tissue of subjects was studied using a specially designed questionnaire, that allowed to record the signs of connective tissue dysplasia. Results. Both the age-specific and universal pathognomonic signs of injury risk were identified. At the age of 22–35, an individual training program is essential for people of an asthenic body build with joint hypermobility, keloid scars, thin skin and soft auricles. At the age of 36–47, attention should be paid to such signs as kyphosis, flat feet with valgus alignment, hyperpigmented skin above the spinous processes, atrophic striae, varicose veins, rectus abdominis diastasis and recurrent hernias. The following universal signs were identified: high-arched palate, scoliosis, X- and O- legs and a crunching sound in the temporomandibular joint. Conclusions. The identification of pathognomonic signs of injury risk requires an individual training program, which will contribute to effective injury prevention.