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Olympic Class Sailing Injuries and Illness: A 15-Year Study of a World Cup Regatta Venue
Carolyn M Landsberg1, Shawn E Hunt2
1Department of Pediatrics, UHealth Sports Medicine Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
Introduction:
Olympic class sailing injuries are a minimally researched topic. Our study includes 15 y of data from medical coverage of the Miami venue during the Sailing World Cup. The objective was to examine the nature of Olympic class sailing injuries and illnesses during competition.
Methods:
The records of the medical clinic encounters of a World Cup Sailing regatta were reviewed. Summary statistics and nominal categorized data regarding demographics, onset, mechanism, nature of condition, and referral were collected.
Results:
There were 740 clinic encounters, ranging from 20 to 70 annually. Five hundred fifty-five (75%) were musculoskeletal in nature, and 184 (25%) were related to medical concerns. Twelve athletes were referred to the emergency department (ED), averaging <1 per year. However, 6 (50%) of the ED referrals came from NACRA 17, 49er, and 49er F-X classes, representing a 16% ED referral rate by fleet per year. In contrast, the remainder of the classes had a 0.04% ED referral rate. The lumbar spine, cervical spine, and foot/ankle were the most common body regions treated. Laser Radial sailors had 71(10%) visits, the most per class. Coaches and staff represented 59 (8%) visits.
Conclusions:
Olympic class sailing venue medical coverage should be equipped to treat a variety of acute and chronic injuries and illnesses among athletes as well as coaches and staff. Overall, rates of ED or other off-site referrals are low but higher for 49er, 49er F-X, and North American Catamaran Racing Association (NACRA)-17 classes.
Insights
Olympic sailing athletes experience mostly musculoskeletal injuries. While emergency referrals are generally low, specific classes like NACRA 17, 49er, and 49er FX show higher rates, requiring tailored medical support.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Sailing Performance Analysis
- Occupational Health in Athletics
Background:
- Olympic class sailing injuries are under-researched.
- Medical data from a 15-year period at the Miami Sailing World Cup venue was analyzed.
- The study aimed to characterize injuries and illnesses in Olympic class sailing during competition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the nature of injuries and illnesses in Olympic class sailing.
- To identify common injury sites and referral patterns.
- To inform medical coverage strategies for sailing events.
Main Methods:
- Review of medical clinic encounter records from a World Cup Sailing regatta.
- Collection of summary statistics and categorized data on demographics, onset, mechanism, condition nature, and referrals.
- Analysis of 740 clinic encounters over 15 years.
Main Results:
- 75% of encounters were musculoskeletal injuries, 25% were medical concerns.
- The lumbar spine, cervical spine, and foot/ankle were most frequently treated.
- Emergency department referrals were low overall (16% for specific classes vs. 0.04% for others), with NACRA 17, 49er, and 49er F-X classes showing higher rates.
Conclusions:
- Medical coverage at Olympic sailing venues must address diverse athlete and staff health needs.
- While overall emergency referral rates are low, certain high-performance classes (49er, 49er F-X, NACRA 17) require specific attention due to elevated referral rates.
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