The epidemiology of injuries in adult amateur rowers: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Main outcome measures: Frequency, type, location, severity and associated rowing-related factors associated with injury.Results: Injury rate was 5.7 per 1000 sessions, with no effect of sex (χ 2 = 0.195, P = 0.659) or weight class (χ 2 = 0.800, P = 0.371). The lower-back demonstrated an epidemiological incidence proportion (IP) of 0.39 (95% CI = 0.33 to 0.46). The IP for water-and land-based training was 0.39 (95% CI = 0.31 to 0.47) and 0.57 (95% CI = 0.49 to 0.65), respectively. IP was highest between January and March (0.13 to 0.15), whilst time loss was 0.49 (95% CI = 0.42-0.57). The IP for 'overuse' and 'traumatic' injuries was 0.71 (95% CI = 0.65 to 0.78) and 0.22 (95% CI = 0.16 to 0.27), respectively. Training volume was associated with the number of injuries (r = 0.418, P < 0.001). Conclusions:Injury rates appear higher among amateur rowers with the most common injury site being lower-back. Our results suggest several factors influence injury risk including seasonal phase, training type and training volume.

The prevalence and severity of lower back pain in South African university rowers

“…[5] These findings may be attributed to the comprehensive health management of elite athletes through resources and support. [13] Amateur athletes may not have the same level of medical care readily available and therefore experience a different approach to injury compared to those athletes of a higher level. [13] This study's combined sample (n=87) reported an average ADI disability of 24.7%±18.1%, which is classified as a moderate disability.…”

“…[13] Amateur athletes may not have the same level of medical care readily available and therefore experience a different approach to injury compared to those athletes of a higher level. [13] This study's combined sample (n=87) reported an average ADI disability of 24.7%±18.1%, which is classified as a moderate disability. [10] These findings corresponded with previous studies which similarly reported a moderate severity of LBP in university rowers.…”

“…Furthermore, the participants from the Clark et al [ 1 ] study ranged from university-level rowers to international medal winners, compared to the exclusive university sample used in the current study. Other studies have shown that national-level rowers’ experience have higher rates of injury than international-level rowers [ 13 ] , with rowing experience not influencing LBP prevalence in elite-level rowers. [ 5 ] These findings may be attributed to the comprehensive health management of elite athletes through resources and support.…”

“…[ 13 ] Amateur athletes may not have the same level of medical care readily available and therefore experience a different approach to injury compared to those athletes of a higher level. [ 13 ]…”

Examining the Peer-Reviewed Published Literature Regarding Low Back Pain in Rowing: A Scoping Review

“…Incidence of LBP was reported as 1.5-3.7 per 1000 hours of rowing training and competition, 21,23,24 and LBP prevalence was observed to be between 6% and 66% over 12 months. 8,21 Seventeen papers reported incidence, 8,20,21,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] the number of people developing LBP during one time, while nine papers reported prevalence, 3,22,23,27,[38][39][40][41][42] the number of people who have LBP at one time. Three papers employed a prospective design with both incidence and prevalence reported.…”