Injuries on Amateur Body Boarders – An Epidemiological Study

Injuries on Amateur Body Boarders – An Epidemiological Study
Tavares, I; Oliveira, R.

Poster apresentado 13º Annual Congress European College of Sports Science
Estoril - Julho/2008

Abstract
Introduction: Bodyboard is extremely difficult to evaluate, due to the environment where it takes place. This environment is influenced by a series of factors (the action of the winds, the sea streams, the type of sea and the gravitational action of the moon over the tides). These are all factors that the athlete is exposed to, and determine the conditions in which the practice of this modality occurs
Purpose: The main objective was to determine the semi-annual prevalence (Nov/06 - Apr/ 07) of injuries in amateur bodyboarders, characterize the incidence pattern (distribution by anatomic region and severity; frequency by gender, age, expertise level; the impact of the injuries on the activity and their evolution), and analyse the potential risk factors.
Methodology: Information was collected, through a cross-sectional, descriptive and retrospective survey, validated and pre-tested. The questionnaire characterized the sport, level of activity and injury incidence. A total of 115 questionnaires were distributed on available beaches, with an answers return rate of 96.5%.
Results: The sample was formed mainly by male bodyboarders 71.8%. Average age was 23.06 ± 5,68 years (12-50 yrs). The largest percentage of athletes (54.55%) was between 19 and 25 years old. During the 6 months under review, 91 injuries occurred. The lower limb showed a higher injury rate (37,9%), however, the head was the most injured anatomic region (17.2%). All injuries occurred during the practice sessions. Insufficient body heat was the most mentioned cause of injury (48.2%). Expert athletes present an injury risk about 3,26 times greater (OR=3.259; CI=1.423-7461), than beginning or intermediate athletes.
Discussion: Bodyboard has become an aquatic sport at very high demanding level. Thus the development of specific maneuvers and gestures demands a higher performance level and full dedication by the bodyboarder. The practice of bodyboard may involve some risks that we need to understand better in order to implement effective prevention strategies.
Conclusion: At least 1 of 2 bodyboarders suffers a injury in a 6 months period on Portuguese beaches. The analysis of associated risk factors is important to promote better prevention strategies.

Key-words: Bodyboard; Injuries; Prevalence; Prevention
References:
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2 Bridgham’s C. Bodyboard Injuries Survey in http://www.circlefx.com/bbsurvey/. 05-03-2006, 22:20.
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