RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Sports injuries and illnesses in the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 441
OP 447
DO 10.1136/bjsports-2014-094538
VO 49
IS 7
A1 Torbjørn Soligard
A1 Kathrin Steffen
A1 Debbie Palmer-Green
A1 Mark Aubry
A1 Marie-Elaine Grant
A1 Willem Meeuwisse
A1 Margo Mountjoy
A1 Richard Budgett
A1 Lars Engebretsen
YR 2015
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/49/7/441.abstract
AB Background Systematic surveillance of injuries and illnesses is the foundation for developing preventive measures in sport. Aim To analyse the injuries and illnesses that occurred during the XXII Olympic Winter Games, held in Sochi in 2014. Methods We recorded the daily occurrence (or non-occurrence) of injuries and illnesses (1) through the reporting of all National Olympic Committee (NOC) medical teams and (2) in the polyclinic and medical venues by the Sochi 2014 medical staff. Results NOC and Sochi 2014 medical staff reported 391 injuries and 249 illnesses among 2780 athletes from 88 NOCs, equalling incidences of 14 injuries and 8.9 illnesses per 100 athletes over an 18-day period of time. Altogether, 12% and 8% of the athletes incurred at least one injury or illness, respectively. The percentage of athletes injured was highest in aerial skiing, snowboard slopestyle, snowboard cross, slopestyle skiing, halfpipe skiing, moguls skiing, alpine skiing, and snowboard halfpipe. Thirty-nine per cent of the injuries were expected to prevent the athlete from participating in competition or training. Women suffered 50% more illnesses than men. The rate of illness was highest in skeleton, short track, curling, cross-country skiing, figure skating, bobsleigh and aerial skiing. A total of 159 illnesses (64%) affected the respiratory system, and the most common cause of illness was infection (n=145, 58%). Conclusions Overall, 12% of the athletes incurred at least one injury during the games, and 8% an illness, which is similar to prior Olympic Games. The incidence of injuries and illnesses varied substantially between sports.