Exertional Sickling in Athletes: Treatment and Prevention

Course overview

Sickle cell trait is a common hemoglobinopathy that can have mortality or morbidity consequences if not treated promptly and correctly. This course provides detailed information on the treatment of exertional sickling events across different clinical sites. Clinicians will become knowledgeable in how exertional sickling treatment can differ depending on when intervention occurs. Current consensus on return-to-activity guidelines after an exertional event are presented. Clinicians will be able to develop the foundation of a return-to-activity protocol for their institution to prepare for when exertional sickling episodes occur. Predisposing factors are divided into internal and external categories. Clinicians will be able to determine which predisposing factors are relevant at their clinical site and determine which prevention strategies need to be implemented. This course relates to athletic trainers who work in different clinical settings (e.g., all organized sports and military), sports board-certified physicians, strength and conditioning coaches, and sports board-certified physical therapists that work in any level of organized sport.