I recently read an article in The Oregonian's online version, "Oregonlive.com" regarding some local high school football players who were hospitalized while attending a "total immersion" football camp. Apparently several players were suffering "compartment syndrome" after a day of practice. The cause is currently under investigation but I wonder if "immersion" camps are appropriate for minors.
Compartment syndrome is the compression of nerves and blood vessels within a closed space. Thick layers of tissue - called fascia - separate groups of muscles in the arms and legs from each other. Inside each layer of fascia is a compartment which includes muscles tissues, nerves and blood vessels. Swelling in the compartment can cause pressure and can impede blood flow which can lead to permanent damage to muscles and nerves. Compartment syndrome has a variety of causes but one cause can be due to repetitive activities, such as running https://health.google.com/health/ref/Compartment+syndrome.
The injuries in the football players case seem to be limited to the upper arm. One player mentions doing a lot of pushups and dips. Immersion programs, boot camps and CrossFit classes are all the rage right now. I believe we are headed for more injuries such as those in the football player's camp.
Any trainer or coach should be aware of this - I believe that in group settings there is an increased chance of injury due to peer pressure and not wanting to be "last" or appear weak. A good trainer or coach should insist on proper form - even if it means a player / trainee has to slow down and lower the "as prescribed" weight in order to achieve this. This is my opinion - feel free to discuss.
Source:
Beseda, J. (2010, August 20). Seven more McMinnville players hospitalized; cause of injuries still unknown. The Oregonian (Portland, OR), p. 1B. Retrieved August 21, 2010 from oregonlive.com/news database.
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