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The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide - Uniformed Services ...

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A knee immobilizer brace that extends and immobilizes the knee straight out shouldbe used with caution. Within 72 hours of using this type of brace, the thigh muscle isweakened and atrophied (muscle wasting as a result of disuse). However, this type of bracemust be used with patella (knee cap) fractures and patellar dislocations. While in this brace,strengthening exercises should be started as early as possible to avoid muscle atrophy.Ankle SprainsAnkle sprains are ideally treated in an aircast or similar splint. Ice, cross frictionmassage, partial weight-bearing, and early range of motion is allowed while protecting theinjured ligament. Some severe sprains may require surgical intervention.Overtraining Syndrome<strong>The</strong> most common physical conditioning error for the <strong>SEAL</strong> operator isovertraining. Overtraining is exactly what the word implies, a condition caused by:Too Much <strong>Physical</strong> Activity<strong>Physical</strong> training for the operator differs from programs designed for elite athletes. <strong>The</strong> athletein professional or college sports has an off-season to rest injured muscles and tendons,utilize physical therapy, maximize strength and flexibility, and finally cycle back into hissport. <strong>The</strong> <strong>SEAL</strong> team operator has no such luxury and training is a full time job. Typicallyhe trains to peak levels year round. It is this repetitive, peak performance conditioningschedule that may lead to overtraining and overuse injuries.<strong>The</strong> OVERTRAINING SYNDROME can present with a wide range ofphysiologic or psychological symptoms which vary widely among individuals (SeeTable 12-7). Overtraining is generally associated with endurance sports such as swimmingor running.<strong>The</strong>re is no good laboratory or biochemical marker for overtraining syndrome. <strong>The</strong>BEST INDICATORS are resting heart rate in the morning and assessment of mood.Resting heart rate taken daily just before getting out of bed, and monitored over time willgive some indicator of fitness as well as fatigue. Individuals who are overtrained will showa resting heart rate which is 10-15 beats per minute higher than baseline when measured215 Training and Sports Related Injuries

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