Injuries induced by Recreational Activities in Older Adults: a CHIRPP Database Study

Abstract

Background Older adults are more active than before with rising participation in sports and recreational activities. However, despite this trend, sports-induced injuries and their outcomes in older adults are insufficiently described. Objectives To describe the characteristics, clinical care, outcomes, and disposition of older adults attending the emergency department (ED) for a traumatic injury sustained during recreational activities. The secondary objective was to explore the impact of trauma mechanism. Methods All patients aged 60 years and older presenting to the ED of three university-affiliated hospitals for a recreational injury were included. Data were collected systematically through the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) sentinel surveillance system. All recreational activities and sports included in the CHIRPP database were classified into ten categories. Results A total of 1982 older adults were included (mean age: 68.5 (SD 6.89), females: 39.5%). The most common recreational activities and sports associated with injuries requiring ED consultation were cycling (42.3%), followed by skiing and snowboarding (16.8%), hockey and ice sports (11.0%) and motorized vehicles activities (7.9%). The most frequent body parts injured were upper limbs (38.9%), lower limbs (28.2%) and head (26.3%). Approximately one in five patients required hospitalization (21.6%). Conclusion The older population is engaging in activities historically associated with younger individuals. Injuries sustained during cycling, skiing and motor vehicle recreational activities are particularly frequent in older population attending EDs. Adapting ED care and prevention strategies for this population is essential.