Epidemiology of injuries in Spanish elite throwers

Abstract

Determining the most relevant injuries in each sport, frequency and severity is essential, and represents the first step in their prevention. The aim of this research was to perform an epidemiological study in athletics throwing. 66 Spanish elite throwers participated. We analysed the injury rate, the most affected body region, the most frequent injuries and its relationship with sex, throwing modality, category and competitive level. A questionnaire developed ad hoc from the Injury Surveillance System questionnaire of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was administered. The results showed the higher competitive level, despite of having a greater number of hours of exposure, the lower injury rate. Lower extremity was the most affected part of the body. Overloads were the most common injury, specifically muscle problems.