Revista Ciência em Extensão (Dec 2014)
Functional health care of the athlete: from training to excellence
Abstract
Introduction: The public and private Brazilian health care systems serve several groups requiring special attention, including the elderly and women. Athletes, despite also being a special group, do not receive any specific care. In this context, the aim of the extension project Sports Physiotherapy League (acronym: LIFE) is to address some of the needs of this group. Objective: Development of educational activities to assist in sports physiotherapy involving athletes and individuals practicing physical activity in Ceará. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the minutes of meetings of the LIFE extension project held from its inception, in August 2010, until December 2013. Results: Eleven students were selected, who were suitably trained to participate in the extension project. 486 assessments were made of physical activity practitioners of different modalities, levels of expertise, and socioeconomic backgrounds, using techniques including Wells bench, electronic baropodometry, isokinetic dynamometry, and surface electromyography. Three athletes were rehabilitated using isokinetic equipment. Seven scientific articles concerning sports were discussed, and students involved in the project participated in six specific training exercises in the field of sports physiotherapy. The Sports Physiotherapy League is helping to implement the provision of physiotherapy to physically active individuals and athletes. The work has been extremely important to the development of athletes in Ceará, especially those with low social status, who previously had no one to turn to. Conclusion: With this study, we conclude that the athletes and the groups of which they are part are being benefited by the assistance provided. Special attention to this distinct social group can provide the athlete with greater performance time within the sport or social activity in which he/she participates. It is also possible to decrease the amount and severity of injuries, hence decreasing the public cost of medium and high complexity health care. For the student, LIFE has provided real experience, assisting in the training of professionals endowed with values and skills needed in the job market. The LIFE project has contributed to society, helping in the training of citizens and professional physiotherapists.
