Acute and Overuse Injuries in Elite Paracycling - an Epidemiological Study

Although paracycling is a growing. discipline in high level competitive sports as well as in post-traumatic rehabilitation, epidemiological data of resulting injuries is still missing. Therefore, 19 athletes of the German national paracycling team were asked about their injuries during the 2008 season using a standardized questionnaire. Overall, 18 (94.7%) of 19 athletes reported overuse injuries; most commonly localized at the back (83.3%), neck/shoulder (77.8%), knee (50%), groin/buttock (50%) and hands/wrists (38.9%). Altogether, 18 accidents were registered, corresponding to an injury rate of 0,95 acute injuries per athlete per year (0,07/1000 km). The most common acute injuries were abrasions (69.2%) and contusions (61.5%), whereas fractures were stated only twice (11.8%). The anatomical distribution of overuse injuries in disabled cyclists confirms the results of studies in able-bodied cycling, although the incidences in low-back pain and neck/shoulder pain is clearly higher in disabled cycling, as well as the rate of traumatic injuries.