Sports medicine is a great idea. The nation’s collective sigh of relief on Tendulkar’s bouncing back during the recent tour onto the pitch (pun intended) after weeks of nail biting will-he won’t-he, uncertainty only serves to highlight the importance and shortage of highly trained professionals in sports medicine.

As sports gets increasingly competitive and the stakes increasingly higher, nothing short of 200% fitness can give the player the crucial winning edge. A simple swelling on the wrist may not only result in a dropped catch but could well cause the World Cup to slip from your hands!

Not only does a huge vacuum exist in sports science and medicine, but India also needs top-flight trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, physiologists and masseurs and biomechanics to keep our athletes and sportspersons fighting fit. Sports medicine is concerned with the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of sport-related injuries.

Sports physiologists objectively assess the athlete’s physiological condition and capacity through various tests and regularly monitor their progress. These findings help the coach devise an appropriate training and remedial exercise programme to improve the athlete’s strength and optimise his physical potential.

MSc (Sports Physiothearapy) is offered at Alagappa University, Karaikudi (TN). This university and the University of Madras also offer a PG Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy (1-yr) after Bachelor’s degree in Medicine/Physio/Phys Ed.

Specialists in sports medicine are hired by the Sports Authority of India, and that of respective states, sports federations and large private hospitals and sports clubs and institutes.

The following institutions offer courses in Sports Medicine: Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Motibagh, Patiala-147001 (Under Sports Authority of India & affiliated to the Baba Farid University). Course: PG Diploma for Medical Graduates (2-year). This is the only course recognised by the Medical Council of India. Seats: 6. Selection: Interview (July). Boarding & Lodging: Free. Establishment charges (Rs. 1,500/- to be paid on admission). Hospital for Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, Arthritis & Accident-Trauma (HOSMAT), Bangalore. Course: a) Fellowship Basic Course after MBBS. Duration: 1-yr. Fees: Rs. 1,000 p.m. b) Advance Course for Orthopaedic Surgeons. No Fees. All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health, Kolkata-700073. Course: Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine, MD (SPM). University of Calcutta, Kolkata offers a Certificate in Sports Medicine. Elig: MBBS.

Source – The Tribune

Sports medicine