Generation "Social Media": use of modern media to gain information regarding sports injuries

Abstract

Digital media have found their way into almost all areas of daily life. The aim of this study was to analyse the extent to which injured athletes use online media to gather information on sports injuries or on how to prevent them. Between 07-2017 and 12-2019, both recreational and competitive climbing athletes were surveyed on their use of various media with regard to sports medicine and prevention. 488 athletes were included in the study (70.9 % male, 29.1 % female, 33.2 ± 10.3 (13-71) years of age). 69.9 % of the athletes use web-based medical content, with the video platform YouTube being most frequently used for specific searches (24.4 %). Younger athletes (< 30y) use video platforms significantly more often than older athletes (p = 0.011). Sports-specific literature is most frequently used by the age group 30-50 years (37.4 %). The age group > 50 uses this medium significantly less frequently (18.8 %; p = 0.013). Competitive athletes use web-based medical content significantly more often than recreational athletes (p = 0.005). The general interest in injury prevention is high, with competitive athletes using relevant content more often. Almost 9 % of all patients interviewed visited a sports-orthopaedic facility because of their online research work. Internet-based medical information is used by 69.9 % of athletes, with the video platform YouTube being most frequently used. Video platforms and sports-specific literature are used significantly more often by younger athletes than by older athletes. Web-based medical content is accessed significantly more often by professional athletes than by recreational athletes. The general interest in injury prophylaxis is high, with competitive athletes using or browsing medical content more often.