The Prevalence and Likely Causes of Injuries in Amateur Greco-Roman Wrestlers

Abstract

Introduction: Wrestling is a collision and traumatic sport with the highest incidence and severity of injury in the tournament. Therefore, recognizing the likely causes of injury is important. In this prospective study, we investigated the prevalence rate and likely causes of injuries in amateur Greco-Roman wrestlers in the tournament. Materials and Methods: In a Student Olympiad tournament, all matches among 102 Greco-Roman wrestlers were observed, and all injuries were recorded. The researcher himself closely observed all matches, and registered all injuries by the side of wrestling mat. Exact position, type, and severity of every injury were recorded after the confirmation of the medical supervisors of the event. Data on “Preparation Process” before the tournament were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. Questionnaires were filled out through face-to-face interview. Injured and non-injured wrestlers were compared using independent Student’s t at the significant level of less than 0.050. Results: The rate of acute and subacute injuries was 2 and 27 percent, respectively. The injury rate of upper extremities, trunk and spinal column, head and face, and lower extremities was 49, 21, 18, and 12 percent, respectively. Sprain (39%) had the highest rate of occurrence. Compared to non-injured, injured wrestlers had less regular practice (P = 0.001), physical fitness (P = 0.031), and sleep (P < 0.001). Conclusion: We recommend amateur Greco-Roman wrestlers to have better sleep and more regular training, and to improve their physical fitness. We also suggest them to have correct standing and sitting core positions, to modify their defending guard, and to use finger tapes to prevent being injured.