160 An investigation of contact injuries in field hockey. (3rd March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rees, Huw; McCarthy Persson, Ulrik; Blake, Catherine
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 54(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A68
• Page End: A68
• Publication Date: 2020-03-03
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-IOCAbstracts.160
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Field hockey involves using a stick to strike a solid ball, which coupled with the high-tempo nature of the game, may predispose athletes to contact injuries. Objective: To investigate the rates and characteristics of contact injuries in field hockey. Design: This prospective cohort study involved athletes self-reporting injuries, using an all physical complaints injury definition, through the AthleteMonitoring software. Coaches and physiotherapists were contacted on a weekly basis to collect unreported injuries and exposure data. Injuries incurring through contact with the ball, stick or another player were extracted for further analysis. Setting: Field hockey athletes playing in the Irish Hockey League (IHL) throughout two seasons. Patients (or Participants): Male athletes competing in seven teams in the IHL were recruited. In total, 188 athletes agreed to take part in the study. Interventions (or assessment of risk factors): Injury rate was expressed per thousand exposure hours and injury characteristics described as a proportion of the total number of contact injuries. Main outcome measurements: Injury incidence. Results: Overall, 107 contact injuries were reported across the two seasons, accounting for 33.1% of the total injuries, giving rise to an incidence rate of 3.1/1000h. Eighty-two (76.6%) of these injuries occurred during matches, at a rate of 17.1/1000h. The remaining 25 (23.4%) occurred during training (0.8/1000h). Seventy-five (70.1%) injuries occurred through contact with the stick or ball and 32 (29.9%) were incurred through contact with another player. Contusions (47.7%) were the most common type, with fractures (15.9%) and sprains (11.2%) also common. The head/face (20.6%) was the most frequently struck location, followed by the knee (14.0%) and the hand/finger/thumb (13.1%). Conclusions: Injury through contact mechanisms (stick, ball or player) is common in field hockey, accounting for one third of all injuries. These occurred mostly in matches, and worryingly, often to the head/face. Although most contact injuries were contusions, fractures were also common, highlighting a potential role for protective equipment.