Latest news with #athletes
CBC
35 minutes ago
- Sport
- CBC
Discover the excitement of the 2025 Canada Games in St. John's
From August 8 to 25, more than 5,000 athletes taking part in 19 different sports will come together at the 2025 Canada Games and connect through friendship, sport, adventure and the experience that is Newfoundland and Labrador. CBC: Your connection to the Games Discover highlights and stories at follow CBC Sports on YouTube and tune in on CBC Gem. 2025 Canada Games by the Numbers The 30th edition of the Canada Games is one of the biggest events hosted in Newfoundland and Labrador's history. When: August 8-25 Number of venues: 22 venues in St. John's and surrounding communities Number of athletes: 5,000 Number of sports: 19 Number of coaches / managers/ tech support: 900 Number of officials, medical staff: 550+ Number of staff: 250 Mission Staff and 74 Host Society Staff Number of volunteers: 5,000+ Number of attendees: 25,000
Fox News
35 minutes ago
- Politics
- Fox News
President Trump restores the Presidential Fitness Test in executive order
President Donald Trump hosts athletes at the White House while signing an executive order to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test in schools.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
Can You Play Golf With A Bad Back? A Neurosurgeon's Practical Guide
As a neurosurgeon specializing in spinal conditions and treating a diverse range of athletes—from corporate executives to weekend warriors and high school competitors—I frequently encounter the question: 'Can I continue golfing despite my persistent back pain?' The short answer, in most cases, is yes, but it necessitates thoughtful and strategic adjustments to protect your spine while maintaining your game. How Does Golf Impact The Spine? When it comes to overuse injuries in golf, the back is the most commonly affected area. Following a spine surgery for any reason, particularly in the first six weeks, surgeons advise patients to exercise caution with the 'BLT' movements—bending, lifting, and twisting. These actions can place significant stress on the spine in distinct ways. Golf, by its nature, involves all three of these movements. Each hole begins and ends with bending toward the ball, the swing represents the peak of twisting and carrying golf bags or clubs often requires heavy lifting. Professional golfers typically develop distinct overuse injuries due to repetitive motions. In contrast, amateur golfers often experience overuse injuries compounded by poor technique, inadequate conditioning and musculoskeletal imbalances. The spine's function and mobility rely on intricate anatomical and biomechanical relationships, which our medical students and residents memorize in great detail. The interactions among muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae vary based on the body's position, the velocity of movement and the force required. Understanding these dynamics is critical to protecting the spine and optimizing performance on the course. What Part Of The Golf Swing Impacts The Back? The golf swing relies on controlled spinal rotation, a dynamic interplay between the upper and lower back that generates power while requiring precise balance. Injuries, or the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, often result from a combination of poor technique and inadequate conditioning. The modern golf swing prioritizes generating force by maximizing the separation between pelvic and shoulder rotation. Compared to traditional swings, modern golfers emphasize rotational speed, which produces greater compressive and anteroposterior forces post-impact. These substantial spinal loads require robust muscle activation to stabilize spinal structures. However, golfers with low back pain may have a diminished ability to anticipate musculoskeletal disturbances during the swing, causing stabilizing muscles to engage too late, after stresses have already dissipated. The force exerted during the swing can be modified by adjusting the length of the backswing. The highest levels of axial rotation and lateral bending typically occur during the downswing, at impact, and in the early follow-through of the golf swing. As a dynamic and asymmetrical motion, the golf swing places uneven stress on the body's muscles, promoting the development of atypical musculoskeletal patterns, particularly when golfers adopt suboptimal postures. Insights from golf instructors suggest that specific swing positions may contribute to the onset or worsening of low back pain. Notable factors include trunk movement during the backswing and follow-through, excessive lumbar extension, and incorrect pelvic movement sequencing, all of which may play a role in the development of low back pain among golfers. Preventing Back Pain In Golf: Common-Sense Adjustments Golf's repetitive, high-torque movements can strain the spine, but strategic adjustments can help prevent low back pain and keep you on the course. Below are four practical steps to protect your spine while maintaining your game. Proper swing technique, guided by a trained professional, can significantly reduce the risk of back pain. A golf instructor can actively evaluate your swing, identifying pain-generating movements and suggesting modifications. Every phase of the swing—backswing, downswing, and follow-through—imposes distinct biomechanical loads on the spine. By refining these mechanics, you can minimize stress on vulnerable structures and enhance performance. Maintaining overall fitness is essential for spinal health. For individuals with chronic low back pain, targeted motor training to enhance gluteal (buttock) muscle activation during hip extension can reduce pain levels. The lumbopelvic region's demands vary based on routine activities and the specific muscular requirements of those tasks. Consistent movement patterns drive muscular adaptations tailored to those specific demands. For example, individuals who engage in rotational activities at least twice weekly demonstrate significantly greater external hip rotation range of motion in their dominant limb. Restrictions in either the lumbar spine or pelvic region can lead to compensatory abnormal motion in the other, increasing injury risk. Inadequate mobility heightens the risk of injury, particularly when paired with improper swing technique. Regular stretching of the back, hips, and legs can enhance flexibility and reduce strain on the spine. For instance, incorporating dynamic stretches before a round and static stretches afterward can improve range of motion and prevent stiffness. Working with a physical therapist or golf-specific trainer can help target key areas, such as the hamstrings and hip flexors, to support a fluid, pain-free swing. Avoid unnecessary stress and strain on your spine. Carrying a golf bag on one shoulder creates an asymmetric biomechanical load, increasing axial stress on the lower spine. For example, heavy backpacks are a primary cause of back pain in children with scoliosis, and similar core principles apply to golfers. Opt for a golf cart or a push-pull cart to minimize lifting. When picking up a ball or tee, engage your core muscles and bend at the knees rather than the waist. Teaming up with a friend to share in bending to pick up the ball or using ball-retrieval devices can further reduce spinal stress, supporting a safer game of golf. Returning To Golf After Spine Surgery: What Patients Need To Know The question of whether patients who have undergone spine surgery can return to golf depends on individual circumstances and requires a detailed discussion with their surgeon regarding the specifics of the procedure and its indications. In my practice, I have seen patients successfully return to golf, while others have chosen to retire their clubs permanently. The decision-making process before surgery involves a shared conversation with patients, centered on decisions that improve their quality of life, which guides our treatment choices. Patients can take comfort in knowing that, in most cases, even those undergoing more extensive surgeries can often continue playing golf. Dr. Joseph Lombardi, MD, a spine surgeon at Och Spine, Columbia University, and senior author of the largest and most comprehensive study on returning to golf after major spine reconstruction surgeries involving the pelvis, provides valuable insight. He notes, 'In our series, we found that a majority of patients (73%), even those with significant spinal deformity surgeries, were able to return to golf, with nearly all reporting a self-perceived improvement in golf performance, reduced pain during play, and an increased number of annual rounds.' It is important to clarify that the patients in Dr. Lombardi's study underwent far more extensive surgeries than most patients require for common spine conditions. Once the spine has healed after any surgery, it is more common than not for surgeons to permit their patients to return to the golf course. A guiding principle is that if an activity causes pain, it is the body's signal to reduce intensity, stop, or ease back into the activity more gently. It's best to consult with your personal surgeon and therapist. Conclusion: Protecting Your Spine While Enjoying Golf Don't play with fear. Ultimately, a bad back doesn't have to sideline you from the course. By incorporating practical adjustments—such as professional swing coaching, strength training, flexibility exercises, and mindful movement—you can safeguard your spine and fully enjoy golf. Play the long game—your back will thank you.
Fox News
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox News
WATCH LIVE: President Trump signs EO restoring the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition
Trump will be joined by major athletes as he also brings back the Presidential Fitness Test to the nation's schools.
Washington Post
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Trump to bring back presidential physical fitness test canceled by Obama
President Donald Trump on Thursday will bring back the presidential fitness test for America's children and charge a slate of famous athletes with helping him inspire 'a new generation of healthy, active citizens,' a White House official said. Trump plans to sign an executive order resurrecting the test, which for decades pushed children across the country to do 40 push-ups, 10 pull-ups and a 6.5-minute mile — some of the requirements to earn a Presidential Physical Fitness Award. The Obama administration disbanded the test in 2012, replacing it with a program focused on overall health instead of athleticism.
