10 November 2003

Training through the pain – the secret of success

The Royal Society of Medicine in association with Redgrave Health & Leisure are presenting Playground to Podium: the Secret of Success at the Society on Wednesday 12th November 2003. Dr Lady Ann Redgrave, an expert in osteopathy and athletic medicine and Sir Steven Redgrave, Britain’s only five-time in five consecutive Olympic Games Gold Medal Champion will be among the speakers to discuss training practices of elite athletes, the effects of injury and the importance of the doctor-athlete relationship, not only during the recovery phase but in the day to day management of the athlete.

Pushing physical limitations
Dr Lady Ann Redgrave, Redgrave Health & Leisure, David Tanner, International Manager and Performance Director of the Amateur Rowing Association, Professor Craig Sharp, Brunel and Stirling Universities and Dr Matthew Stallard, Queen Elizabeth Hospital

The speakers will discuss the physiological impact of intensive training from the athletic and medical perspectives. An in-depth investigation into the mechanics of physical injuries and the effects it has on long-term performance will be a part of the conference’s first session. Professor Sharp, a coach/physiologist for four Olympic games, will examine the limitations of athlete’s stamina in relation to type of exercise, reporting that ‘their main benefit is to prevent tissues or organs, or the body itself, from self-destructing.’ Dr Tanner will discuss the importance of quality Sports Medicine and emphasises that ‘young people should learn to look after their bodies while taking up physical activity in a progressive and structured way.’

What makes a great athlete?
Sir Steven Redgrave, Redgrave Health & Leisure, Dr Lady Ann Redgrave, Dr Lynn Fitzgerald, St George's Hospital Medical School, Professor Neil Armstrong, University of Exeter and Dr Chris Shambrook, Headstart Consulting Group.

The afternoon session will focus on determining what attributes create an exceptional athlete and how to maintain the physical shape to withstand competitive sport. Professor Armstrong will address the question Children are mini adults - fact or fiction? through 'an examination of the physiology underpinning the increase in World's Best Performances with growth and maturation.' Dr Shambrook will talk about the unique traits of performers at the top of their field and will make recommendations on 'how coaching, sport psychology and sport science support can be focused in order to maximise the likelihood of winning mind characteristics being developed in aspiring performers. Dr Lady Ann Redgrave will close with a vision for the way forward, making recommendations that school age children should be taught basic physiological and psychological concepts along with basic postural control, thereby allowing the playground to facilitate the progression to the podium.