The incidence of medical attention injuries in wheelchair basketball at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games: a descriptive sub-study

Abstract

Background: Wheelchair basketball is one of the most popular Para sports globally. However, there is limited literature on the epidemiology of injuries sustained by wheelchair basketball players.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe injuries sustained by Paralympic athletes participating in wheelchair basketball at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Methods: This study is a sub-study of the ongoing Paralympic injury and illness surveillance studies. Injury information from 430 athletes who participated in wheelchair basketball at the two Paralympic Games was analysed. Injuries were described by overall incidence, age, sex, onset, anatomical area, type of impairment, and time loss.

Results: In total, 75 injuries were documented in 66 athletes during the Paralympic Games, with an injury incidence of 12.5 (95% CI 9.6-15.3) injuries per 1000 athlete days. The upper limb was the most injured anatomical region (55%), and athletes with spinal cord-related disorders incurred the most injuries (55%). At the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, most injuries (88%) were associated with no time loss. 

Conclusion: This study's findings are consistent with existing literature describing the incidence observed in other wheelchair-based sports at the Paralympic Games. Injuries affecting the upper limb may indicate the influence of the nature of the sport and/or the additional load and inadequate rest of the upper limb in athletes who use wheelchairs outside of sporting activities, particularly in those with spinal cord-related disorders. These findings can assist medical staff in understanding the high incidence of low-burden upper limb injuries among athletes competing in wheelchair basketball.