SCS Prevention & Wellness 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which dietary strategy is most evidence-based for reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in athletes during heavy training blocks?
- High-dose vitamin C supplementation
- Adequate carbohydrate intake to support glycogen resynthesis (Correct answer)
- Protein intake exceeding 4g/kg/day
- Complete elimination of dietary fats
Correct answer: Adequate carbohydrate intake to support glycogen resynthesis
Adequate carbohydrate intake supports glycogen replenishment and attenuates the inflammatory cascade associated with DOMS.
Question 2: An athlete working in a hot, humid environment is at greatest risk for which thermoregulatory complication when sweat rate exceeds fluid intake by 2-3% body weight?
- Hyponatremia
- Heat cramps only
- Impaired performance and increased core temperature (Correct answer)
- Immediate heat stroke
Correct answer: Impaired performance and increased core temperature
A 2-3% body weight deficit from sweat loss impairs cardiovascular efficiency and elevates core temperature, degrading performance before causing frank heat illness.
Question 3: Which sleep parameter is most critical for anabolic hormone release and tissue repair in competitive athletes?
- Total sleep time exceeding 10 hours
- Slow-wave (deep) sleep stage duration (Correct answer)
- REM sleep duration
- Sleep onset latency under 5 minutes
Correct answer: Slow-wave (deep) sleep stage duration
Slow-wave sleep is the primary stage during which growth hormone is secreted, driving muscle repair and adaptation.
Question 4: According to the 2023 Female Athlete Triad Coalition, the cornerstone intervention for a collegiate runner with low energy availability is:
- Initiating oral contraceptives to restore menses
- Increasing caloric intake to achieve energy balance (Correct answer)
- Prescribing bisphosphonates for bone density
- Restricting training volume by 75%
Correct answer: Increasing caloric intake to achieve energy balance
Restoring energy availability through increased caloric intake addresses the root cause of the Triad and can normalize hormonal function and bone metabolism.
Question 5: The most effective primary prevention strategy for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female soccer players is:
- Prophylactic knee bracing during all practices
- Neuromuscular training programs targeting landing mechanics (Correct answer)
- Strengthening the quadriceps in isolation
- Restricting jumping and cutting drills
Correct answer: Neuromuscular training programs targeting landing mechanics
Programs like FIFA 11+ combine neuromuscular and proprioceptive training that reduce ACL injury rates by up to 50% in female athletes.
Question 6: Which component of the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE) has the highest sensitivity for detecting potentially lethal cardiac conditions in young athletes?
- Resting 12-lead ECG
- Echocardiography
- Personal and family history questionnaire (Correct answer)
- Blood pressure measurement
Correct answer: Personal and family history questionnaire
A thorough personal and family history questionnaire detects up to 75% of conditions that may cause sudden cardiac death, more than any single physical test alone.
Question 7: An SCS is designing a heat acclimatization protocol for a football team before preseason in a hot climate. The recommended minimum duration for physiological adaptation is:
- 3-5 days
- 7-10 days
- 10-14 days (Correct answer)
- 3 weeks
Correct answer: 10-14 days
Heat acclimatization requires 10-14 days of progressive heat exposure to achieve full plasma volume expansion, improved sweating efficiency, and cardiovascular adaptation.
SCS Prevention & Wellness 2
Which dietary strategy is most evidence-based for reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in athletes during heavy training blocks?