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.
Subject
Wheelchair sports - Physiological aspects