Types, frequencies and burden of health problems in elite luge athletes: a 46-week prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND

There is a research gap in the survey of injuries and illnesses in the sport of luge.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the type, frequency and burden of injuries and illnesses that occurred over a preparation period and a competition period in elite luge athletes.

METHODS

In total 40 elite luge athletes, who were all part of a national team and competed internationally, self-reported acute injuries, overuse injuries and illnesses weekly using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire on Health Problems.

RESULTS

The most frequently stated health problems were illnesses with 41.9% (n=75), followed by acute injuries at 31.9% (n=57). Overuse injuries accounted for 24.0% (n=43). Illnesses represented the greatest burden with a median severity score of 60.0 (IQR: 23.63), followed by acute injuries with 42.0 (IQR: 26.83) and overuse injuries with 35.0 (IQR: 23.95). In the case of acute injuries, the anatomical regions most affected were the hand (n=8, 14.0 %), foot (n=8, 14.0 %), head (n=7, 12.3 %) and neck (n=6, 10.5 %). In the case of overuse injuries, the shoulder (n=9, 20.9 %) and lumbar spine (n=7, 16.3 %) were most frequently reported. Strains (n=15, 26.3 %) and contusions (n=14, 24.6 %) were the predominant types of acute injuries. Four concussions were recorded, with none of the athletes taking a break from normal training of more than 3 days. This stands in contrast to the current recommendations for the return to sport after concussion.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study represent the current incidence rates and health burden of acute and chronic injuries in this constantly evolving sport. 95% of all athletes reported at least one health problem during the observation period. These findings support the need for specific prevention programmes. The establishment of a concussion protocol should be considered.