Injuries on Gymnastics: Epidemiological Study at Portuguese National Level

Injuries on Gymnastics: Epidemiological Study at Portuguese National Level
Reis, M; Rego, F; Oliveira, R.

Poster apresentado no 13º European Congress of Sports Sciences
Estoril, Julho/2008


Abstract
Introduction: Gymnastics as a very demanding sport, both physically and psychologically, leads to a bigger injury predisposition for athletes.
Purpose: To determine the annual prevalence of injuries in competitive gymnasts (Trampoline, Acrobatics, Rhythmic and Artistic Gymnastics), at a national level, during the 2005/2006 season; and to characterize its incidence pattern, severity and associated risk factors.
Relevance: This epidemiological knowledge during the practice of gymnastics will allow the development of adequate strategies for injury prevention and the management of risk factors.
Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive and retrospective survey was implemented, through a self-answer questionnaire that was validated and tested. Information was collected in regard to the general athletes’ characterization, the practiced sport and the number of sustained injuries. A total of 991 questionnaires were sent to 38 gym clubs throughout the country, with a response rate of 35,2%.
Results: 150 athletes sustained injuries with an annual prevalence of 43,0%, from a sample of 349 gymnasts (21 clubs of national level), with a very young age (average 13,34 yrs). Injuries are more frequent in artistic gymnastic (62,7%), than in Acrobatics (45,6%), and Trampoline or Rhythmic gymnastics (36,2%). The lower limb was the most injured body region (49,6%), in particular the knee, ankle, toe and fingers. Almost four out of ten of the injuries showed recurrence or chronic behaviour. The level of practice with combination of technical elements was the biggest cause for the injury. Gymnasts 15 years and older, with larger amounts of practice time and higher training loads, present a bigger risk for an injury (p≤0,05).
Discussion: The results are comparable with other studies at international level and suggest a high injury risk during the practice of gymnastics. They point towards the need for the continuous intervention of physical therapists. Also, they alert health professionals and coaches to be concerned about high recurrence ratios and/or chronic injuries in younger athletes.
Conclusion: There is a high occurrence of injuries in competitive gymnasts, particularly in artistic gymnastics. The increased exposure risks (more training time and more intense training) in older teenager athletes increases the probability of injury incidence. The analysis of associated risk factors is important to promote better prevention strategies.
Bibliography:
Harringe, M., Lindblad, S. & Werner, S. (2004). Do team gymnast compete in spite of symptoms from an injury?. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 38 (4), 398-401.
Kolt, G. & Kirkby, R. (1999). Epidemiology of injury in elite and subelite female gymnast: a comparison of retrospective and prospective findings. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 33(5), 312-318.
Key Words: Gymnastics, Trampoline, Acrobatics, Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Injuries, Epidemiological Study; Prevention.