Factors that predispose injuries in athletes who utilize wheelchairs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine factors that predispose injuries in athletes who compete &om a wheelchair. Athletes competing in basketball, tennis, bowling, quad rugby, and track and field were mailed questionnares. One hundred and eleven (91M, 20F) responses were obtained. The average age of the athletes was 32.33 f 9.19 and they had been competing for 8.22 f 5.62 years. ANOVA was used to determine if the number of minor or significant injuries differed between sports. Results show that basketball players experienced a higher number of minor injuries than tennis players or bowlers. ANOVA was used to determine if body mass index (BMI), gender; coaching, and competitive years had an effect on the total number of injuries received during a 2 year period. No significant differences were found. In summary, the prevalence of minor injuries in basketball players when compared to tennis players and bowlers was significantly higher. Other trends were noted when looking at how BMI, competitive years, and coaching impacted on the total number of injuries reported. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn in these areas.