A Musculoskeletal Injury Profile of Athletes at a National Inter-University Athletic Meet In Manipal, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Sports physical therapists form a part of the team in all major sporting events. However, their presence at the university or recreational level is not commonly seen. The profile of injuries during an athletic event varies on whether the person is a recreational athlete or an elite athlete. As there is no data available from India on athletic injuries, we describe the profile of injuries at a national interuniversity health sciences athletic meet. Methodology: During the inter university athletic meet, an analysis of the profile of injuries was done and the injured were classified according to the National Athletic Reporting System. Results: A total of 200 athletes took part in this competition. 32 (16%) athletes sustained injuries, of which musculoskeletal injuries were most common and accounted for 71.87% (23/32) of the total injuries. Most injuries were managed on the field without any loss of time except for four (viz., dislocated shoulder, heat exhaustion, injury of medial collateral ligament of knee and ankle lateral collateral ligament tear with avulsion injury) who required further attention in the hospital. Conclusion: We observed a high rate of injuries amongst the athletes, out of which musculoskeletal injuries, especially ankle injuries, were common during track and field events. Heat - related illnesses of varying degrees of severity were also seen.