Sickle Cell Trait and Athletics

Abstract:
Exertional sickling is the top non-traumatic cause of death in Division I African American athletes, as well as being one of the top four non-traumatic causes of death for all athletes. The current knowledge gaps include a lack of genetic counseling for athletes with sickle cell trait and inconsistent implementation of tailored exercise precautions by sports medicine professionals. If adhered to, the knowledge of an athlete, sickle cell trait status, proper education, and tailored exercise precautions can ensure safe athletic participation for individuals with sickle cell trait. The purpose of this webinar is to educate attendees on the history of exertional sickling and the current best practices to prevent exertional sickling crises and deaths.

Objectives:

• Participants will be able to discuss the clinical signs and symptoms of an exertional sickling crisis., 
• Participants will be prepared to implement tailored exercise precautions to prevent exertional sickling crises.,
• Participants will be able to distinguish the clinical differences between exertional sickling, heat cramps, heat stroke, asthma, and cardiac arrest.,
• Participants will be able to apply the knowledge from this presentation to develop and implement proper emergency management procedures for an exertional sickling crisis.

Level:
Essential

Domains:
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
Domain 3: Critical Incident Management

CEUs:
1.25 Category A

Keywords: sickle cell, exertional sickling, exercise precautions, crisis