Severe Knee, Ankle, and Shoulder Injuries among Korean Men and Women Freestyle Wrestlers: A Survey-based Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate severe knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries in Korean men and women freestyle wrestlers, with a focus on gender comparison.Methods: A total of 90 wrestlers (44 men and 46 women, mean age 25.13.9years) who consented to participation in the study were included as subjects.A standardized questionnaire was used to investigate athletes' experiences of severe knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries that limited their participation in training or matches for more than 3 weeks during their athletic careers and their postinjury management practices.Results: Severe injuries to the knee occurred in 55.6% of all participants, to the ankle in 34.4%, and to the shoulder in 28.9%.These severe injuries occurred mainly during wrestling technical training due to player contact mechanisms, with a high frequency during tackling movements.Only about half received specialized postinjury rehabilitation, and about 70% returned to training or competition without medical clearance.There were no gender differences in the characteristics of these injuries and their postinjury management. Conclusion:The current findings suggest that Korean men and women freestyle wrestlers are likely to suffer severe knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries during their careers, but that postinjury management to ensure a safe return to training is inadequate.