Workload and Noncontact Musculoskeletal Injury in Collegiate Swimmers: A Prospective Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Collegiate swimmers face high training demands and frequent overuse injuries.
• The relationship between training load and injury incidence in collegiate swimmers is under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between training workload and noncontact musculoskeletal injuries in collegiate swimmers.
• To identify specific workload parameters that predict injury risk.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study was conducted with 37 NCAA Division III swimmers.
• Logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were used to analyze injury risk relative to workload and acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR).
• Injury rates were calculated for various workload and ACWR ranges.

Main Results:

• Eleven participants sustained 12 injuries, with 7 occurring during a winter training trip.
• High acute workloads (OR=27.1) and high ACWRs (OR=25.1) were significantly associated with increased injury risk.
• Acute workloads >37.2 km/wk and ACWRs >1.56 increased injury rates substantially compared to lower values.

Conclusions:

• Collegiate swimmers can tolerate high overall season workloads if distributed appropriately.
• High acute workloads and ACWRs, particularly during intensive training periods like winter trips, elevate injury risk and require careful management.