INJURY EPIDEMIOLOGY, DISABILITY AND FOLLOW-UP CARE FOR INTRAMURAL ATHLETICS

Abstract

Little is known about injury epidemiology and the medical care received by recreationl athletes. PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of injury, resulting follow-up care, and disability in collegiate intramural athletes. METHODS: A reportable injury was classified as one that caused cessation of participation in an activity and prevented return to that session. An exposure was defined as any participation in an activity for which athletic training coverage was provided. Follow-up care and disability were determined through a 9-question survey. Subsequent surveys to determine the length of disability were sent out up to 9 weeks after initial injury. An 81% response rate was achieved. RESULTS: Over one academic year, there were 30,991 exposures and 111 reportable injuries. The overall incidence of injury for all sports was 3.58 per 1000 exposures. For sports with at least 400 exposures, the highest incidence rate was in flag football at 4.96, followed by volleyball 3.17, basketball 3.14, and soccer 2.16. Sprains were the most common injury (34%); followed by muscle strains and contusions (16%); and fractures, dislocations, and tendon ruptures (14%). There were 23 lateral ankle sprains (21%), 8 concussions (6%), and 8 ACL sprains (6%). Following immediate treatment, 53% of the respondents pursued additional medical care and 7% required surgery. Further treatment was sought at emergency rooms (29%), student health centers (12%), and private physicians (11%). The treatment options most often employed by the athletes were ice (76%), NSAIDs (49%), and elevation (43%). Sixty percent indicated that their activities of daily living (ADLs) were limited and 69% felt they could temporarily not participate in athletics. Of these, ADLs were limited for an average of 8.3 days (range 1 – 42) and athletic participation for an average of 13.7 days (range 1 – 63) following injury. CONCLUSION: Our results offer insight into the incidence of injury in recreational sports, as well as the type of treatment, medical care, and disability that often follows.