The design of a reliable musculoskeletal pre-participation screening and the establishment of normative data, epidemiology of injury and risk factors for injury in adolescent and collegiate Gaelic footballers and hurlers

摘要

Background: udAn inherent risk of injury exists when partaking in sport. There is currently a lack of epidemiological and risk factor for injury studies in Gaelic games, particularly in the adolescent and collegiate populations, which is essential in developing strategies for managing injuries. In addition, there is very little normative data for screenings in these populations.ududAim: udFor adolescent and collegiate Gaelic footballers and hurlers: (i) design a reliable screening, (ii) establish normative data, (iii) investigate the epidemiology of injury and (iv) assess possible risk factors for injury.udMethods: A screening was designed and the reliability assessed. The screening was implemented and the epidemiology of injury was captured prospectively. Risk factors for injury were identified based on the screening and epidemiology information.ududFindings: udHamstring flexibility, balance, scapular control and squatting technique were identified as areas requiring improvement in Study 1. Screening tests designed by the current researchers displayed good-to-excellent absolute and relative inter-tester and intra-tester reliability. Study 2 observed 4.873 and 14.512 injuries per 1,000 hours in adolescent and collegiate Gaelic footballers and hurlers, respectively. Injuries to the lower body were predominant (hamstring, knee and ankle). Injuries to the lower back were common in adolescent participants. Poor squatting technique was identified as a risk factor for lower body and hamstring injuries, with reduced internal rotation of the shoulder and a higher BMI a predisposing factor for upper body and shoulder injuries. A navicular drop of ≥10mm was found to predispose to knee injuries; however in adolescents a lower cut off point of between 6-7mm may be more appropriate.ududConclusion: udAdolescent and collegiate Gaelic footballers and hurlers are susceptible to numerous risk factors for injury and injuries have been shown to be prevalent, therefore the design of injury prevention strategies in future research is critical.