lnjuries in wrestling: systematic review

Abstract

Average injury rates weighted by sample size are 16.3/1000AE for 8/11 competition studies and 69.5/1000AE for 5/27 databases. Competition data are likely to be accurate because they were observed by physicians, trainers and referees and the completeness and accuracy of database studies vary. Databases which extrapolated data to provide annual national rates estimated large numbers. Few studies provided data about the situations in which injuries occur and the causes of injuries.

Injury incidence, severity and profile in Olympic combat sports: a comparative analysis of 7712 athlete exposures from three consecutive Olympic Games

“…The higher proportion of moderate and severe injuries in judo and wrestling is likely related to the fact that knee ligament injuries feature prominently in these grappling style combat sports, in which athletes are frequently exposed to direct or indirect contact through various takedown techniques (i.e., techniques aiming to bring the opponent to the ground). [9,10,23] This suggests that injury prevention strategies specifically targeting these types injuries may be particularly important to reduce the burden of injury in judo and wrestling.…”

“…We have identified distinct differences in injury profiles across combat sports, which are generally consistent with those reported in previous reviews. [7][8][9][10] Differences in injury profiles across combat sports have been attributed to unique features of the sports such as competition rules (e.g., permissible techniques and targets, mandatory protective equipment). [25,26] For instance, although strikes to the head and trunk are permissible in both boxing and taekwondo, only the latter permit the use of kicks.…”

“…[7] Previous systematic reviews of injuries in Olympic combat sports have highlighted considerable variability in injury incidence rates across primary studies. [7][8][9][10] This variability has been attributed to methodological heterogeneity, including differences in operational injury definitions, exposure measures, surveillance methods, study populations, and other contextual factors (e.g., changes in competition rules over time). Unfortunately, this methodological heterogeneity has precluded meaningful comparisons of injury risks and profiles across combat sports.…”

Rising Trends in Wrestling-associated Injuries in Females Presenting to US Emergency Departments

“…24 Thus, as more female athletes are exposed to wrestling at earlier ages, the overall injury characteristics may begin to more closely resemble those of males given the inevitable increase in practice, skill, and injury exposure that has been previously demonstrated in the literature. 2,15,23…”

“…1 In the United States (US), wrestling has historically been a male-dominated sport, and injuries among male wrestlers have been well described. 2 Among females, wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports: participation Conclusion: Males and females possess distinctly unique physiology and anatomy, such as variances in ligamentous and muscular strength, which may help to explain differences in wrestling injury characteristics. Prompt management of injuries and specific training strategies aimed at prevention may help to reduce the projected increase of female wrestling-associated injuries as the popularity of the sport continues to rise.…”