Uses of Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper

“Uses of Anatomy and Physiology in Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, Physical Fitness & Psychology”

By

Tracie Brown

In Sports and Physical Education the human body is used.  We perform physical activities with the help of our bodies.  Upon research, I discovered, when studying the movement of the body and the effects of exercise on the human body, the knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology is essential to physical education and sports. The basics of anatomy and physiology have provided knowledge to various careers such as, physical therapy, athletic training, as well as fitness instructors.  

First, Physical therapy is a compelling career that assists individuals with restoring and maintaining physical function after an injury or illness.  Physical therapist is a team of health care professionals who specialize in movement science. Physical therapist evaluates physiological functions and applies the appropriate therapy.  Sports injuries are common in athletes that are when a physical therapy may be needed. For Instance, if you are suffering from an injury such as an ankle sprain, shoulder pain, or maybe a knee injury, a physical therapist will help you regain full strength and movement in the injured area. Not to mention, anatomy is essential for understanding the human body.  For example, in the field of sports, athletes suffer from many injuries.  According to Taheo Kim, author of the article “The Present State and Future Director of Sports  Rehabilitation states, the process of sports rehabilitation  begins with the administration of pain management and treatment programs by professionals who work in designated programs under the supervision of licensed physical therapists (“The Present State and of Sports Rehabilitation”, Taeho Kim).  

Also, Sprains, strains, muscle pulls, and stitches are the most common types of sports injuries treated in sports rehabilitation centers. Physical therapist will not only assist you in overcoming your injury but will also help with preventing future injuries.   Some other conditions treated by physical therapist are abdominal discomfort, headaches, whiplash, and possibly even breathing pattern disfunctions.  Physical therapy could also prevent surgery, however, in case of surgery, it can help reduce inflammation and tears to ligaments and muscles that may have been affected.  

In addition, athletic training is an exclusive profession that requires expertise in several areas. Just like physical therapist, athletic trainers receive clinical training in the area of injury, as well as, injury prevention, nutrition, rehabilitation, training and conditioning.   Athletic trainers can enhance the player’s performance by knowing the impact of exercises has on the different body parts of the player.  The athletic trainer can improve the player’s skill by knowing the capacity of the athlete’s body.  Athletes participate in training to gain strength, power and speed with intentions on improving their performance.

Not to mention, Athletic trainers are communication links between the athlete, coach, and physician and determine when the player will be able to return to practice or the game.  By using their knowledge of anatomy and physiology a treatment plan is developed.  Under the guidance of a licensed physician, the athletic trainers perform immediate emergency and follow-up care. Further research revealed an emergency action plan is developed at all sporting events.  Trainers my go all season without having to use emergency care, however, they should prepare for any situation.  In recent years, the importance of emergency actions plans has been highlighted, including a position statement from the National Athletics Association in 2002.  The literature read the importance of the emergency action plans, and how the plan will fail if the trainer does not have thorough knowledge of all the aspects of the plan (“Athletic Therapy Today”, Brian Potter, Daniel Martin). Trainers have to be able to identify muscles and understand human movement due to the type of injuries they deal with.  

Furthermore, fitness instructors usually work with a group of people of all ages providing direction in exercise including cardiovascular activities, stretching and weight lifting. Some of the classes that fitness instructors may teach are, yoga, aerobics, Pilates, and dance.  The instructors must make sure that the students are performing the movements correctly to prevent injury, also the proper use of equipment to enjoy a safe and effective workout. Fitness instructors must know the human body, so the understanding of anatomy and physiology is crucial. (“American Fitness”, Jonathan Polston).   Fitness instructors inform the groups about proper nutrition, weight loss and gives emergency first aid if needed.  Many different areas of the body is used during workouts, therefore, the instructor will demonstrate the proper technique of exercise physiology, kinesiology injury prevention, cardiovascular and medical considerations, nutrition, body composition, proper class format and leadership skills.  In addition, with the knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology they are able to modify exercises for those with low back discomfort, musculoskeletal problems, pregnant women, and overweight people “(Do The Right Thing”, Jordan, Peg).   With an understanding how muscles, tendons, bones and ligaments work together, can help in prevention of injuries during workout sessions.