Sickle cell trait and the athlete
Getting physical with SCT
With proper awareness and education, exercising with sickle cell trait is generally safe and poses no barriers to athletic performance. Most athletes compete without any complications. However, it's important for them to be aware of their sickle cell trait status and take necessary precautions during training and conditioning.
Testing should be done before training and competition so athletes can understand the medical and genetic consequences of having sickle cell trait. If testing positive, the athlete should consult with a genetic counselor or their physician to learn how sickle cell trait can affect their life, athletics, and family planning.
Complications of sickle cell trait for athletes
Complications of sickle cell trait for athletes are rare. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you have:
Blood in urine or hematuria, which may be caused by muscle breakdown called rhabdomyolysis
Abdominal pain in the upper left side, which may indicate a problem with your spleen called sequestration
To prevent illness it is important to:
Set your own pace and build your intensity slowly
Rest often in between repetitive sets and drills
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after training and conditioning activities
Keep the body temperature cool when exercising in hot and humid temperatures by misting the body with water or going to an air conditioned area during breaks or rest periods
Immediately seek medical care when feeling ill
To learn more vist:
NCAA – http://www.ncaa.org/health-and-safety/medical-conditions/care-student-athlete-sickle-cell-trait
NCAA – http://www.ncaa.org/health-and-safety/medical-conditions/sickle-cell-trait