Sports-related injuries in Chinese Paralympic athletes

This study aimed to explore the patterns, characteristics, and perceived risk factors of sports-related injuries among Paralympic athletes. One hundred and sixty Chinese athletes with either physical disabilities or visual impairments participating at a province-level Paralympic Games were recruited. Data on the occurrence of injuries during training and competitions were collected using a self-reported injury form. Of the 160 respondents, 82 (51%) reported a sports-related injury with track and field being the most commonly reported place of injury and lower limbs (77%) the most reported body area in young athletes with disabilities. Tried and not in condition (50%), decline in muscle coordination (35%), overtraining (39%), anxiety/overexcitement (39%), weather (46%), and lack of awareness for self-protection (43%) were nominated as main risk factors of injuries. Anxiety/overexcitement was perceived as a major cause resulting in moderate and severe injuries. It was concluded that the prevalence of injury among Chinese Paralympic athletes involving in the province-level Paralympic Games was relatively high. Risk factors especially for training volume, anxiety/overexcitement, weather, and self-protection awareness should be considered when planning injury prevention strategies. Copyright © 2015 European Federation of Adapted Physical Activity.