Epidemiology of para-athletic injuries: A cohort study

Abstract

Athletics practiced at high intensity is a source of injuries because of constraints on musculo-skeletal structures. Social and health interests of physical activities amongst disabled patients are demonstrated. In the last few years, popularization of paralympic sports implies an increased number of participants and injuries. These injuries can have functional consequences and alter the quality of life. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of para-athletics’ injuries during an entire sports season and to characterize them by types, location and modes of onset. Moreover, this study identifies risk factors and proposes a prevention program. A cohort study was undertaken of 210 athletes, who took part in one of four french national competitions in the 2016–2017 para-athletics season. Data were collected with help of medical staff during the competitions and identified athletes’ impairments, location, type and mode of onset. Prevalence of injuries during the 2016–2017 season was 19% (9,4 for 100 athlete-days). Athletes with visual impairments experienced the highest number of injuries (42,5%, 16,8 for 100 athlete-days) followed by amputee athletes (23,8%, 10,8 for 100 athletes-days). The large majority of the injuries affected the thigh (39%) and were muscle strains (56%). This cohort study brings new data about para-athletics traumatology. Athletes with visual impairment experienced the highest rate of injuries and prevention programs must focus on hamstring strains.