Epidemiology of Injuries in Olympic Sports

 

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Abstract

Injuries effect the performance of athletes. Severity of injuries is determined by time loss and sporting performance reduction. To treat injuries adequately, it is necessary to get an overview of varied injuries types in different sports disciplines. In a retrospective study 7.809 athletes from Germany, Switzerland and Austria competing in competitive or recreational levels of sports were included. Injury prevalence was highest in team sports (75 %), followed by combat (64 %), racquet (54 %) and track and field (51 %). Knee (28 %) and shoulder (14 %) were the most at risk joints. Time loss in sporting activity after injury was longest in the region of knee (26 weeks). Of all reported injuries, 48 % were accompanied by a reduced level of performance. The highest injury prevalence occurred in the year 2016 (45 %). More injuries occurred during training (58 %) compared to competition (42 %). Across Olympic disciplines, a large number of injuries occurred during training sessions. Injury frequency increased as the Olympic games drew closer. Knee and shoulder injuries were the most severe injuries with respect to time loss and reduction sporting performance.

Zusammenfassung

Verletzungen beeinträchtigen die Leistung von Sportlern. Die Schwere der Verletzungen wird durch den Zeitverlust und die Verringerung der sportlichen Leistung bestimmt. Um Verletzungen adäquat behandeln zu können, ist es notwendig, sich einen Überblick über die unterschiedlichen Verletzungsarten in den verschiedenen Sportarten zu verschaffen. In eine retrospektive Studie wurden 7809 Athleten aus Deutschland, der Schweiz und Österreich einbezogen, die im Leistungs- oder Freizeitsport aktiv waren. Die Verletzungsprävalenz war in Mannschaftssportarten am höchsten (75%), gefolgt von Kampfsportarten (64%), Schlägersportarten (54%) und Leichtathletik (51%). Knie (28%) und Schulter (14%) waren die am meisten gefährdeten Gelenke. Der Verlust an sportlicher Aktivität nach einer Verletzung war im Bereich des Knies am längsten (26 Wochen). Von allen gemeldeten Verletzungen gingen 48% mit einem verminderten Leistungsniveau einher. Die höchste Verletzungsprävalenz trat im Jahr 2016 auf (45%). Es traten mehr Verletzungen im Training (58%) als im Wettkampf (42%) auf. In allen olympischen Disziplinen traten viele Verletzungen während des Trainings auf. Die Verletzungshäufigkeit nahm zu, je näher die Olympischen Spiele rückten. Knie- und Schulterverletzungen waren die schwerwiegendsten Verletzungen in Bezug auf Zeitverlust und Leistungseinbußen.

Publication History

Received: 28 December 2020

Accepted after revision: 09 August 2021

Article published online:
06 March 2024

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

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