Epidemiologie von verletzungen und überlastungsschäden vergangener paralympischer spiele

Over the last decade, paralympic sport has gained considerable importance leading to a constantly rising number of athletes and spectators. In London, over 4000 athletes from 164 countries competed in 21 disciplines. ››An injury surveillance system has been implemented to register epidemiological data of paralympic athletes since the Winter Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City 2002 and the Summer Paralympic Games in London 2012. Incidences, characteristics of illnesses and injuries patterns in paralympic athletes were identified and evaluated. Depending on the discipline and the type of handicap they differ considerably in part from able-bodied sports. E.g. in sledge ice hockey, data showed a high number of severe injuries to the lower extremities, which was substantially reduced by introducing shin protectors and modifying the sledge geometry. There is a high rate of shoulder injuries in wheelchair athletes, highlighting the need for specific prevention measures. ››The disciplines with the highest injury rates are blind football, goalball, powerlifting, wheelchair fencing and wheelchair rugby. Sports with the lowest injury rates included sailing, rowing and shooting. Longitudinal studies evaluating injury incidences also during the out-competition period should also be conducted. By identifying mechanisms of injury and associated risk factors in handicapped athletes, sports-specific injury prevention programs may be implemented.