Incidence of injuries and illnesses among Sabah athletes during SUKMA XIX 2018

Abstract

This is a study on the prevalence of injuries and illnesses among Sabah SUKMA athletes 2018. This is a retrospective study on injuries and illnesses seen among Sabah athlete who participating in SUKMA 2018 using standardized data registry. Incidence of injury and illness is 16.27 and 16.74 per 100 athletes respectively. Combat sports showed the highest incidence of injuries (45%) mainly involving head and neck region in martial arts event (Muay Thai). Commonly occurring injuries involved were muscle strains and ligament sprains. Concussion rate was 1.85 per 100 full contact athletes. Time loss percentage was 1.4%. The only important illness reported was an isolated case of mumps. There was a high number of injuries in combat sports. There were no report of severe injuries or severe concussions. This could be due to the strict implementation of protective gear during competition. Concussion rate was lower compared to many international studies. Muscle strains was seen more in high speed sprinting and kicking athletes. Contact tracing was activated and no reported Mumps outbreaks in Sabah. There is a need for athlete to learn prevention strategies in combat sports and screening of athlete for infectious diseases prior to participation in national or international sporting event.