EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY ON SPORTS INJURIES IN SITTING VOLLEYBALL PARA-ATHLETES DURING THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Abstract

To determine the prevalence, incidence, and incidence rate of sports injuries in male sitting volleyball para-athletes during a national championship. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional epidemiological study. Data were collected using an electronic form based on the Paralympic Sports Injury Protocol, containing information about the para-athlete's profile and injury records. The analysis included descriptive statistics and association tests. Results: Sixty-one male para-athletes participated in the competition, with data collected from 47 using the form. It was identified that 55.56% had injuries prior to the competition, and 44.44% were new injuries that occurred during the event. The prevalence was 21.28%, and the incidence rate was 63.83 injuries per 1000 athlete-days. The upper limbs were the most affected (51.85%), with a predominance of shoulder injuries (25.82%) as the most affected region. The main complaint was contusion (40.75%). There was no statistically significant association between the occurrence of injuries and the variables age, sport class, origin of the disability, and type of physical disability. Conclusion: A high incidence rate of injuries was observed, with a focus on upper limb involvement, especially the shoulder. These findings underscore the importance of developing and implementing preventive strategies at multiple levels to promote a safer sports environment.