Surveillance during the X South American Games 2014 found an incidence of 97.8 injuries and 18.3 illnesses per 1000 athletes, most commonly due to overload and respiratory infections.
Observational (n=3,506)
During the 2014 South American Games, 7.8% and 1.6% of athletes required medical attention for injuries and illnesses, respectively, highlighting the need for sport-specific prevention strategies.
Introduction: The Olympic Movement Medical Code encourages all stakeholders to ensure that sport is practised without danger to the athletes. Systematic surveillance through the “Sport Injuries And Illness Surveillance Study” is the foundation for developing preventive measures. Aim: To describe the injuries and illnesses from athletes that were attended to during the X South American Games 2014. Methods: We recorded, through the formulary established by the International Olympic Committee, the daily occurrence of injuries and illnesses, reported by NOCs and by the X South-American Games 2014 Organization Medical Staff. Results: A total of 3506 athletes participated in the study. 343 injuries and 64 illnesses were reported, resulting in an incidence of 97,8 and 18,3 per 1000 athletes respectively. The highest rate of injuries were registered in modern pentathlon, artistic gymnastics, BMX and tennis. 37,6% of the injuries prevented athletes from participating during competition or training. The most common injury was because of overload (29,8%). The highest rate of illnesses were reported in bowling, open-waters and basketball. The respiratory system was the one most commonly affected (31,3%), with infections being the most common cause. 26,6% of the illnesses prevented atheletes from participating during competition or training. Conclusions: At least 7,8% and 1,6% of athletes had injuries or illnesses during the games, respectively. The epidemiological profile varied for different sports. It is important to generate precise report system to obtain accurate information, so we can develop strategies of prevention and planning health resources in the high performance athletics.
A. et al. (Thu,) conducted a observational in Sports injuries and illnesses (n=3,506). Surveillance during the X South American Games 2014 found an incidence of 97.8 injuries and 18.3 illnesses per 1000 athletes, most commonly due to overload and respiratory infections.