561 MEP142 – The difference in muscle injury risk in 100m, 200m and 400m sprints between finals and previous rounds during international athletics championships

AbstractBackground Lower limb muscle injuries (LLMI) are the most frequent injuries in athletics disciplines involving running. While running velocity may increase between competition stages and substantially influence the risk of injury, the competition stage has not been investigated as an injury risk factor.Objective To compare incidence rates of LLMI and hamstring muscle injuries (HMI) in 100m, 200m and 400m sprints between finals, semi-finals and heats of international athletics championships.Design Prospective total population study.Setting Eight international athletics championships (2009–2022).Participants 1642 starts for female and 1840 starts for male athletes in all rounds (i.e., heats, semi-finals and finals) of 100m, 200m and 400m.Main outcomes measurements In-competition LLMI and HMI of female and male athletes during eight championships between 2009–2022.Results A total of 150 in-competition injuries in 100m, 200m and 400m sprints were recorded, including 91 classified as LLMI (60.1%) and 45 as HMI (30% of in-competition injuries, or 49.5% of LLMI). The LLMI incidence rates in 100m finals were significantly higher than in heats and semi-finals for females (relative risk (RR)=9.71(95%CI:2.38–39.65) respective RR=6.88(95%CI:1.37–34.56)) and male athletes (RR=5.10 (95%CI:2.55–10.17) respective RR=6.90(95%CI:2.53–18.83)). The HMI incidence rates were significantly higher i) in 100m finals than heats for female athletes (RR=11.66(95%:1.07–126.68)), ii) in 100m and 200m finals than heats and semi-finals for male athletes (RR=5.16(95%CI:1.69–15.76) respective RR=3.59(95%CI:1.00–12.97) and (RR=4.40(95%CI:1.11–15.95) respective RR=5.50(95%CI:1.03–29.31)), and iii) in 200m semi-finals than heats for female athletes (RR=5.50(95%CI:1.03–29.31)).Conclusions LLMI and HMI risk was higher in finals compared to previous rounds during international athletics championships. Several physical and psychological factors may explain this higher muscle injury risk in finals. We suggest better preparing athletes for successive rounds during international athletics championships by improving i) resistance to fatigue to better manage the multiple rounds, and ii) stress management to cope with finals.