High prevalence of overuse injury among iron-distance triathletes

Abstract

BackgroundTriathlon is an increasingly popular sport at both the elite and the recreational level. However, there have been few high-quality studies of injuries and illnesses among triathletes.ObjectiveTo register overuse problems and acute injuries among iron-distance triathletes throughout a training season leading up to a major event.MethodsA 26-week prospective cohort study was conducted including 174 participants of the 2011 Norseman Xtreme Triathlon. Data on overuse injuries located in the shoulder, lower back, thigh, knee and lower leg were collected every second week using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire. Illnesses, acute injuries and overuse problems affecting other anatomical areas were also recorded using standard injury surveillance methods.ResultsThe average prevalence of overuse problems was 56% (95% CI 51 to 61) (490 cases). The average prevalence of substantial overuse problems was 20% (95% CI 18 to 21) (165 cases). The most prevalent sites of overuse problems were the knee (25%), lower leg (23%) and lower back (23%). The acute injury incidence was 0.97 injuries per 1000 h of training (36 cases) and 1.02 injuries per 1000 h of competition (5 cases). A majority of moderate and severe acute injuries were located at the knee, shoulder/clavicle and sternum/ribs. The predominant types of acute injuries were contusions, fractures and sprains. The incidence of illness was 5.3/1000 athlete-days (156 cases).ConclusionsOveruse problems constitute the majority of injury cases among iron-distance triathletes, and are far more common than acute injuries and illnesses. The most prevalent sites of injury in the present study were the knee, lower leg, lower back and shoulder. Future injury prevention studies in iron-distance triathletes should focus on these areas.

Injuries and Associated Risk Factors Among Adolescent Elite Orienteerers: A 26-Week Prospective Registration Study

“…For example, we expected to capture a far greater number of injuries using the OSTRC Overuse Injury Questionnaire than using a time-loss-injury approach because many athletes continue to train and compete despite being injured. 9,15 However, our results are in accordance with those of Andersen et al, 16 Clarsen et al, 10,17 Jacobsson et al, 18 and Ristolainen et al, 19 demonstrating that overuse injuries are more common than acute injuries in several sports.…”

Reduced glenohumeral rotation, external rotation weakness and scapular dyskinesis are risk factors for shoulder injuries among elite male handball players: a prospective cohort study

“…This study's third limitation is that the response rate was limited, especially compared with previous studies using similar surveillance methods 3 22 43. Based on players’ injury history and baseline status, it seems unlikely that there were systematic differences between responders and non-responders.…”

“…In the current study, we used a new surveillance method designed specifically to capture overuse problems in sport 20. The prevalence of all shoulder problems and of substantial problems was among the highest we have measured in any anatomical area in any sport using these methods 3 22. This is obviously an injury problem that warrants preventative efforts.…”

Association between sports type and overuse injuries of extremities in adults: a systematic review

“…)28,4 ± 4.41 season(Daily)Standard injury cardsMedical staff of clubFaude 2005 [16]GermanyElite149/?F(? )22.4 ± 5.01 season(Weekly)DiaryMedical staff & coachEkstrand 2011 [17]SwedenElite767/?B(B: 15–38)M: 25 ± 5F: 23 ± 45 seasons(Monthly updates)Standard injury formMedical staffTriathlonAndersen 2013 [19]NorwayElite174/274B(? )38 ± 926 weeks(Every 2nd week)QuestionnaireAthletesBeachVolleyballBahr 2003 [18]Australia,Norway,PortugalElite?/?B(?…”

“…“Nielsen 1989 [14]XX“Strains were considered to be acute overuse injuries. ““Some of the overuse injuries (tendinitis/synovitis) occurred under unknown circumstances.”Eirale 2013 [15]XXXXFaude 2005 [16]XXXEkstrand 2011 [17]XXXXBeach volleyballBahr 2003 [18]X orX orXTriathonAndersen 2013 [19]X“Overuse injury” is not defined anywhere but the article was included in the review because it uses this term in the title.Total9/100/109/102/102/106/100/104/10 …”