Explain how different training methods could be modified to maintain fitness during a 6-week injury rehabilitation period for a soccer player with a knee injury. (6 marks)
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- Initially, non-weight bearing aerobic training replaces running. Upper body cycling is used because it maintains cardiovascular fitness without knee stress. Sessions include 3 x 10 minutes at 65-75% max HR. As a result, aerobic fitness continues developing while the knee heals.
- Deep water running begins in weeks 3-4. This works because water buoyancy supports body weight during running movements. Interval sessions include 8 x 2 minutes at 80-85% max HR. Consequently, sport-specific fitness is maintained without impact stress.
- Stationary cycling incorporates modified HIIT as recovery progresses. The reason for this is cycling allows controlled knee movement within safe ranges. Sessions include 6 x 1 minute at 85% max HR with recovery. This leads to maintained anaerobic fitness despite injury limitations.
- Modified field training returns in the final week. Straight-line running comes before direction changes because this minimises rotational knee stress. Ball work combines with 4-minute efforts at 80-90% max HR. Therefore, the player regains match fitness through careful progression.
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Sample Answer
- Initially, non-weight bearing aerobic training replaces running. Upper body cycling is used because it maintains cardiovascular fitness without knee stress. Sessions include 3 x 10 minutes at 65-75% max HR. As a result, aerobic fitness continues developing while the knee heals.
- Deep water running begins in weeks 3-4. This works because water buoyancy supports body weight during running movements. Interval sessions include 8 x 2 minutes at 80-85% max HR. Consequently, sport-specific fitness is maintained without impact stress.
- Stationary cycling incorporates modified HIIT as recovery progresses. The reason for this is cycling allows controlled knee movement within safe ranges. Sessions include 6 x 1 minute at 85% max HR with recovery. This leads to maintained anaerobic fitness despite injury limitations.
- Modified field training returns in the final week. Straight-line running comes before direction changes because this minimises rotational knee stress. Ball work combines with 4-minute efforts at 80-90% max HR. Therefore, the player regains match fitness through careful progression.