Sports-related injuries in primary health care

Abstract

Introduction. Sports activities play an important role in today’s society. However, as more people become involved in these activities, the number of sports-related injuries also increases. In the Netherlands, 3.5 million sports injuries occur annually. Twenty per cent of these injuries are first seen by a GP. Little is known about the epidemiology of these injuries in general practice. This study has been conducted to determine the incidence and prevalence of sports-related injuries in general practice and to provide information about the nature and treatment of these injuries.Methods. Survey study conducted in 612 patients with sports-related injuries by 21 GP trainees in as many GP practices. Inclusion of study subjects took place between September 2007 and April 2009.Results. In total, 694 sports-related injuries were registered. The incidence of sports-related injuries was 23.7 in 1000 patients and prevalence 27.8 in 1000 patients. Soccer-related injuries are most prominent in this population, lower extremities being three times more often involved than upper extremities. GPs often (60.9%) used a symptom-based diagnosis. In 80% of the cases, no additional diagnostic testing took place, while in 36.5% of the cases, only explanation and advice sufficed. Few patients were referred to the hospital (6.6%).Discussion. Patients with sports-related injuries regularly consult GPs (on average one to two times per week). GPs tend to use non-specific diagnoses in sports-related injuries. In part, this may be due to the lack of specific diagnoses available in the current registration system (International Classification of Primary Care). Most often these injuries require only explanation and medical advice from the GP. Usually, additional tests or hospital referrals are not necessary. Presumably, mostly patients with mild sports-related injuries consult the GP.

Effects of Kinesio^® Taping on Dynamic Balance Following Fatigue: a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…KT application may lower the risk for injuries in the lateral and posterior directions following fatigue induction. Key words: dynamic balance, fatigue, Kinesio Taping, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) (Phys Ther Res 00: 00-00, 0000)A large volume of literature has reported the high prevalence of sport-related injuries worldwide [1][2][3] . The most common injury site is the lower limb, and 23%-67% accounted for the knee 1,2) .…”

“…A large volume of literature has reported the high prevalence of sport-related injuries worldwide [1][2][3] . The most common injury site is the lower limb, and 23%-67% accounted for the knee 1,2) .…”

“…The most common injury site is the lower limb, and 23%-67% accounted for the knee 1,2) . Fatigue has been found to increase the risk of injury 4) .…”

Facteurs sociodémographiques et pratiques associés aux accidents liés à la pratique physique et sportive

“…Dans l'étude australienne [26], le football arrive en troisième position après les sports de moto et l'équitation. Dans une enquête réalisée auprès de médecins généralistes, aux Pays-Bas, c'est le football qui était le plus impliqué dans les accidents rapportés [27]. D'un point de vue de santé publique, le nombre brut d'accidentés est une donnée qui mérite d'être prise en compte puisque c'est elle avec le nombre brut d'accidents graves [28], qui va déterminer l'impact des accidents sur les dépenses de santé.…”

Effectiveness of Oral and Topical Hydrogen for Sports-Related Soft Tissue Injuries

“…75% of all injuries. [1][2][3] Timely and effective management of sportsrelated soft tissue injuries is a key factor contributing to a quicker recovery and return to regular training and competition. 4 Soft tissue repair is often facilitated by conservative procedures such as the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) protocol and topical or oral administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain, swelling, or bruising and to improve functional movement.…”