Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Weidner, K.
Injury patterns and -incidences in competitive Star sailing sport
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2022. pp. 122
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Holzer Lukas
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- Abstract:
- Introduction: Sailing is practiced both as a leisure activity and competitive sport but can also pose health risks. Back pains, knee pains, lacerations, and contusions on the extremities are observed. Little is known about sailing injuries. This study aims to analyse injuries and sports damages in competitive Star sailing sport, so that preventive measures can be taken. Materials and Methods: For this cross-sectional study, Star class sailors who were members of the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association were surveyed online using Google Forms. The survey included 60 questions about personal/physical characteristics, sailing characteristics, training designs, nutrition habits, sailing injuries/sports damages, causes of injuries, and the injury handling. 87 sailors (84 male, 3 female) were included into this study. The statistical analysis and graphic representations were carried out by Microsoft® Excel®, IBM® SPSS 27 and XLSTAT. Results: The knees and the torso were particularly prone to injuries and sport damages. Acute sailing injuries most frequently occurred in training or directly in the race and were predominantly ligament injuries. Cool-Downs and acute sailing injuries were moderately associated (Phi/Cramer-V = 0,237; p<0,05). Chronic sailing injuries were most frequently perceived in training and were predominantly cartilage damage/osteoarthrosis. The weekly hours of training off the water in the preparatory phase were weakly associated with chronic sailing injuries (Eta-coefficient 0,238; p<0,05). The intake of dietary supplements and chronic sailing injuries were moderately associated (Phi-/Cramer V 0,324; p<0,05). Multiple correspondence analysis revealed a pattern that chronically injured sailors were more likely to take dietary supplements and train longer weekly hours off the water in the preparatory phase (F1+F2: 33,93%). Overload/overtraining were regarded as major causes of injuries. Discussion: Sailors in the preparatory phase may consider training for a maximum period of 5 hours per week off the water with main focus on strength and strength endurance training. Early fatiguing muscles for hiking and sheeting shall be targeted. Strengthen these muscles may prevent sailing injuries of the knees and torso. We cannot advise against the intake of dietary supplements. Further research whether cool-downs have any influence on injury prevention will be needed. It may be considerable to shorten the cool-down time.