Medical and orthopaedic conditions in special olympics athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Many Special Olympics athletes experience hypokinetic diseases and comorbid conditions that may predispose them to serious injuries during physical activity. A clear understanding of these conditions and diseases may assist health care professionals in preventing further distress and managing the injuries sustained by these athletes. Such diseases and conditions include overweight and obesity, diabetes, vision problems, seizure disorders, and Down syndrome, which is often associated with atlantoaxial instability. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, SPORT Discus, and Special Olympics information sources for the years 1990-2000 using the key terms Special Olympics, mental retardation, comorbidity, Down syndrome, hypokinetic diseases, and physical activity were searched. DATA SYNTHESIS: A basic review of hypokinetic diseases and comorbid conditions prepares health care professionals for working with people with mental retardation. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Health care volunteers at Special Olympics events treat athletes with mental retardation who may also have some of the comorbid conditions and hypokinetic diseases observed commonly in this population. Moreover, many of these conditions and diseases are typical in athletes without mental retardation. Athletic trainers should be familiar with these conditions and diseases but should review the unique conditions and prescription medications commonly found in the Special Olympics population before providing medical services for these athletes.