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Study on Paralympic athletes: Sports injury pattern associated with event discipline, athlete impairment
In a study of athletes who competed in the London 2012 Paralympic Games, investigators found sports injury patterns were associated with event disciplines and athlete impairment, with most injuries occurring in the thigh or shoulder/clavicle.
Researchers followed 977 athletes who competed in sports for a 10-day competition period. Investigators collected daily injury data from a web-based injury and illness surveillance system and an organizing committee database maintained by the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The International Paralympic Committee athlete database was used to obtain athlete impairment and event discipline. Incident rates were assessed by impairment, event discipline, gender and age.
Results showed an overall incident rate of 22.1 injuries per 1,000 athlete-days. Investigators noted athletes with cerebral palsy compared with ambulant athletes from other impairment groups had a lower incidence of injuries in track disciplines. Athletes in seated throwing vs. those in wheelchair racing had a higher incidence of injuries.
According to researchers, most injuries in track and field did not result in time lost from competition training. Ambulant athletes had the greatest proportion in thigh injuries. The greatest proportion of shoulder/clavicle injuries were found in wheelchair or seated athletes, especially in track athletes. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.