Citation

Palmer-Green D, Brownlow M, Hopkins J, Eley J, Jaques R, Hunter G. Br. J. Sports Med. 2014; 48(7): 649-650.

Affiliation

University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bjsports-2014-093494.238

PMID

24620279

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prevention of injury and illness in elite sport can have not only athlete health benefits but also potential positive performance gains. As the first step towards prevention, valid injury/illness surveillance data is needed. OBJECTIVE: Provide injury/illness epidemiology information on the Great Britain (GB) short-track speed skating squad. DESIGN: Longitudinal prospective surveillance study, recording injury/illness, and training/competition exposure data. Definitions for injury/illness, time-loss and performance-restriction were used to identify the rate and severity of athlete injuries/illnesses. SETTING: GB short-track speed skating National training centre, including domestic and international training/competition venues during the 2009/2010 season. PARTICIPANTS: 11 (7 male; 4 female) National team athletes. INTERVENTIONS: Standardised report forms for injuries/illnesses were completed by medical, and competition/training exposure by coaching, support staff. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Injury/illness rate, severity and causes. RESULTS: There were 14 training (2.7/1000 athlete training hrs) and 2 competition (13/100 competition starts) injuries, and 12 illnesses. Equating 64% and 73% of the squad suffering at least one injury/illness, with 29 days and 5 days lost per injury/illness, respectively. Injuries to the thigh (38%), lumbar spine and knee (19% each) were most common, with 8, 19, and 43 days lost per injury, respectively. Overuse (gradual/sudden-onset: 38%), non-contact trauma (31%) and contact - static object (25%) were the most common causes of injury, with contact - static object (59d) and overuse (33d) most severe. Upper respiratory tract infection was the most common illness (75%), occurring more frequently around periods of competition and long haul travel. CONCLUSIONS: Injury and illness seasonal prevalence was similar, but severity greater for injuries. Prevention initiatives targeting common and severe injuries/illnesses may be beneficial in reducing the number of athlete days lost to training/competition.

Language: en