Injury patterns in blind football: A cohort analysis from three Paralympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020).

OBJECTIVES

Athletes competing in blind football have consistently been highlighted as at risk for injuries and potential concussions. This study described the incidence of injuries sustained by athletes competing in blind football (Football 5-a-side) at the London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. This study described injury proportions and incidences by age, period of competition, onset and mechanism, anatomical area, final diagnosis, and anticipated time loss.

METHODS

This study was a sub-study of the ongoing Paralympic Injury and Illness Surveillance studies conducted at the Paralympic Games. Frequencies, proportions, and univariate unadjusted incidences were reported per 1000 athlete days.

RESULTS

Sixty injuries in 49 athletes were reported over the three Paralympic Games, with an incidence of 21.5 injuries per 1000 athlete days. The highest incidences were reported in athletes >35 years (25.8); during the competition period (25.0); and the lower limb (11.0). The second highest incidence was reported for the head, face, and neck injuries (4.4). Most injuries were acute sudden onset (16.0) with direct contact (56%), the main mechanism of injury. No confirmed concussions were reported. Diagnoses varied across anatomical areas and most injuries (61%) resulted in no time loss.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that acute head and lower limb injuries occurring during the competition period are common in blind footballers. There is a need for targeted prevention strategies to mitigate the incidence of acute injuries during active competition. This is especially true for potential concussions, which are suspected to occur in blind football despite low recognition or reporting. Improvement in concussion detection and reporting protocols are crucial to safeguard athletes in the future.