Injuries and Illnesses Observed in Athletes from Beginner to Elite Levels at the 18th National Sports Festival for Persons with Disabilities in Japan

OBJECTIVES: : This study aimed to describe the injuries and illnesses that occurred at the 18th National Sports Festival for Persons with Disabilities in Japan, which was attended by more than 3000 athletes from beginner to elite levels. METHODS: : Records from medical stations set up at the venues for each sport were reviewed. The incidence rates (IRs) were calculated as the number of medical station visits per 1000 athlete-days. The backgrounds of injuries and illnesses were investigated. RESULTS: : In total, 3277 athletes attended the festival, and 134 eligible medical station visits were analyzed. Overall, 102 athletes complained of injuries. For the whole schedule of the festival, IRs were 15.5 for injuries and illnesses and 11.8 for injuries alone. For injuries and illnesses, high IRs were seen in soccer (39.8), basketball (25.6), and foot baseball (22.4); for injuries alone, high IRs were also seen in soccer (33.6), basketball (25.6), and foot baseball (16.8). The most frequent symptoms were internal symptoms (n=32), contusions (n=30), and wounds (n=24). Joint sprains occurred in various sports, whereas muscle strains happened mainly in disciplines demanding sprinting or high agility. Of the 55 cases that occurred during events or public rehearsals, 45 were traumatic, whereas the relation to sports activities was not described in 51 cases. Of participants with internal symptoms, 11 were suggested to have viral infections. We identified 21 injuries caused by falls. CONCLUSIONS: : Minor trauma and viral infection were the most frequently observed symptoms among injuries and illnesses, respectively. Structured medical records and organized surveillance systems should be utilized to improve data collection and understand the onset of injury and illness.