Paiano1, F. Feletti2,3, M. Tarabini4, P. Buzzacott5
1Sportmed, Kimeya Healthcare, Cesena, Italy
2Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy 3 3Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Ausl Romagna, S.Maria delle Croci Hospital, Ravenna, Italy 4 4Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
5 School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
SUMMARY
Background. Kitesurfing is one of the world’s fastest growing Olympic aquatic sports. However, previous scientific literature on this sport has mainly focused on acute inju- ries. The aim of this study was, therefore, to capture a picture of the burden of overuse injuries in kitesurfing.
Methods. Active kite-surfers regularly completed an online questionnaire, describing the health of their shoulders, lower back and knees as well as any injury related symp- toms.
Results. Forty-three participants completed a total of 304 questionnaires, covering a total period of 2,096 distinct person-days. Person-days of reduced participation relat- ed to shoulder, lower back and knee problems were 8 %, 3% and 8% of the total respectively. Performance was affected related to shoulder, lower back and knee prob- lems in 11%, 22% and 16% of person-days respectively.
Conclusions. Overuse injuries emerged as an important predictor of reduced partici- pation, decreased performance and discomfort in kitesurfing. The prospective survey method captured a picture of overuse injuries in kitesurfing not previously described.
KEY WORDS
Aquatic; body mass index; knee; participation; questionnaire; shoulder