Medical Concerns Among Wheelchair Road Racers.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Wheelchair athletes face unique training and medical challenges.
• Understanding these challenges is crucial for optimizing performance and health.
• Previous research has not fully detailed the specific concerns of this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the training methods, injury patterns, and medical concerns of wheelchair athletes.
• To identify common residual neurologic deficits and autonomic dysfunction in athletes with spinal cord injury.
• To assess the potential impact of frequently used medications on athletic performance.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 43 wheelchair athletes prior to the 1987 Peachtree Road Race.
• Data collected included training practices, injury history, medical conditions, and medication use.
• Focus was placed on neurologic deficits and autonomic dysfunction in spinal cord-injured athletes.

Main Results:

• The most common injuries reported were abrasions and upper extremity musculoskeletal syndromes.
• Residual neurologic deficits included altered temperature regulation, neurogenic bladder and bowel, spasticity, and autonomic dysreflexia.
• Several frequently used medications were identified, with potential adverse effects on performance.

Conclusions:

• Wheelchair athletes experience significant upper extremity injuries and require management for autonomic dysfunction.
• Spinal cord injury presents specific challenges such as impaired thermoregulation and bladder/bowel control.
• Medication management is essential to mitigate potential performance decrements in these athletes.