Inside Football - Natural High

Used by elite individual athletes for decades, altitude training and the use of a simulated hypoxic (reduced oxygen) environment at sea level are relatively new to Australian Rules Football. While Collingwood have repeatedly travelled to altitude, players from some other clubs are experiencing a simulated altitude environment at home while sleeping, but are training at sea level. Which is more effective and what are the benefits for players? Read on to find out more.

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AFL Record - Hyperbaric Chamber

Clubs need injured players at full fitness and back on the park asap. When Fevola bruised his heel early in 2009, he underwent hyperbaric oxygen treatment in an effort to assist the healing of this injury. Football clubs are interested in the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its potential for the treatment of muscle, tendon and ligament injuries as it is considered to reduce swelling,prevent infection, reduce pain and promote healing. Read on to find out the theory behind how this treatment could be effecting in assisting the healing of injuries.

This article was originally published in the Football Record, round 15, 2009.

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Inside Football - Feeling no pain

On average, 8 AFL players per club are unavailable for selection each week due to injury, that's 20% of the playing list. Where possible, injured players will 'take the needle', an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the pain of a mild sprain or painful joint, to enable them to take the field for their team. Read on to find out more about this very common practice in the AFL.

This article was originally featured in Inside Football on 24th June, 2009

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