Athletic and Health

What are the cons-indications to the practice of athletics?

Dr. Boudjemaa: There is no special against-indications to the practice of athletics, except those related to the sport in general. In all cases, there is a compulsory medical examination, even for those applying for a license "race off stage" and which are not required to be in the club.

Doctissimo: What are the health benefits related to the practice of athletics?

athleDr Boudjemaa: There are 7 different athletics disciplines, each with its specificities (sprints and hurdles semi bottom and background, running, throwing, jumping, combined events, running out of the stadium). However, the foot race is the basic exercise of general physical preparation. The health benefits are essentially those of the race, including the benefits to the cardiovascular system. Athletics may be advisable for people who have heart problems or diabetes, if they have a balanced treatment.

Doctissimo: What are the most common injuries?

Dr. Boudjemaa: Among runners, have found mostly tendonitis in the Achilles heel. There may also have back problems due to a general lack of physical exercise. Among the jumpers, the problems will rather concern the patellar tendons and among launchers, one finds mostly shoulder disorders. Sure, it's not as compartmentalized: pitchers may have tendonitis in the heel and jumpers may have back problems.

Doctissimo: What are the age limits?

Dr. Boudjemaa: You can practice athletics 7-77 years. For children between 5 and 7 years, the practice is essentially a psychomotor arousal, as in many sports. The actual practice of athletics begins at 7 years. The child is moving towards a specialty from 13 or 14 years. But we also have people who start late in athletics, coming from other sports. As for the elderly, veterans there are two categories: competition or recreation. Leisure practice can be done beyond 60 years. Of course, with age it is difficult to go too technical practices such as throwing and jumping for example. Moreover, it would be exposed to greater risk of injury. Running is certainly the activity that you can practice longer. I know runners who 70 years who practice at their own pace.

Doctissimo: What are the recommended protective equipment?

Dr. Boudjemaa: The most important is to have matching shoes to discipline. For the race, you should choose appropriate footwear to its weight, the usual flooring and distance traveled. In all cases, the best protection is a good warm up with stretching and stretching.