Health Problems in German Paralympic Athletes Preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games

Abstract

Problem: In-competition injury and illness incidences in Paralympic athletes have been studied extensively during the last decade. However, longitudinal monitoring data is still lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to prospectively record incidence rates and type of health problems of Paralympic athletes during the preparation period for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. Method: German Paralympic athletes preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games were invited to complete the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire on health Problems weekly using a web application. Additionally, Training volume and competition exposure were asked. Results: 79 athletes were included in the study and were observed for 10 months. The health problem incidence rate was 7.5/1000 exposure hours (95% CI: 6.5-8.6). Illnesses were half of the reported health problems and acute injuries had the highest time loss with 13±24 days. Females, younger age groups, visual impaired athletes and participants in ambulatory sports had higher incidence rates compared to their pairs. Discussion: Reported incidence rates of health problems are high among Paralympic athletes. Obtained data is comparable to Paralympic Games and a Swedish Paralympic cohort. Injury and illness factors are manifold and demand further research to develop and implement preventive strategies.