Abstract

Elite Indian athletes who were undergoing training at the NIS, Patiala for the preparation of IX Asian Games held in Delhi in 1982, suffered 317 injuries during the 14 months of training. Of the injuries 64 per cent were observed in males, while 36 per cent were observed in females. Most of the injuries seen were in the lower limbs (59.2 per cent) and when classified according to the tissues involved, most of the trauma was seen in ligaments (38 per cent). Female sprinters and male throwers contributed most injuries. On average, each athlete sustained three injuries during the total training period by which 50 days of training was lost in nursing various kinds of injuries. Preventive measures of lower limb injuries, vigorous treatment for athletes preparing for a competition and maintenance of cardiorespiratory fitness during treatment is an important task of sports physicians and coaches.