074 Sleep and general health predict higher injury rates in endurance athletes: a prospective study. (3rd March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Sullivan, Kieran; Johnston, Richard; Cahalan, Roisin; Bonnett, Laura; Maguire, Mark; Glasgow, Phil; Madigan, Sharon; Comyns, Thomas M
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 54(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A33
• Page End: A33
• Publication Date: 2020-03-03
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-IOCAbstracts.74
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Rates of injury among endurance sporting participants are high, as are subjective health complaints (SHCs - e.g. poor sleep, low mood). However, there is limited prospective data evaluating the relationship between SHCs and rates of new injury. Objective: To examine longitudinal associations between SHCs, sleep quantity and new injury within an endurance sport population. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Competitive, sub-elite, endurance sports. Patients (or Participants): Ninety-five endurance sporting participants recruited from running, triathlon, swimming, cycling and rowing disciplines. 92.6% of 95 participants submitted data for all 52 weeks, with the remainder completing ≥ 30 weeks. Main outcome measurements: Participants submitted weekly data regarding SHCs (cardiorespiratory, gastrointestinal and psychological/lifestyle), sleep quantity, training load and new injury episodes. Applying a 7- and 14-day lag period, a shared frailty model was used to explore new injury risk associations with total SHCs and sleep quantity, as planned a-priori. Results: Seven-day lag psychological/lifestyle SHCs were significantly associated with new injury risk (Hazard ratio (HR)=1.32; CI 95%=1.01–1.72, p<0.04). Whilst cardiorespiratory (HR=1.15; CI 95%=0.99–1.36, p=0.07) and gastrointestinal (HR=0.77; CI 95%=0.56–1.05, p=0.09) SHCs were not significantly associated. New injury risk had a significant increased association with 14-day lag <7hrs/day sleep quantity (HR=1.51; CI 95%=2.02–1.13, p<0.01) and a significant decreased association with >7hrs/day sleep quantity (HR=0.63, CI 95%=0.45–0.87, p<0.01. A secondary regression analysis demonstrated no significant association with total SHCs and training load factors (Relative Risk (RR)=0.08, CI 95%=0.04–0.21, p=0.20). Conclusions: To minimise an increased risk of new injuries within an endurance sporting population, this study demonstrates that psychological/lifestyle SHCs and sleep quantity should be considered. The study also highlights a lag period between low sleep quantity and its subsequent impact on new injury risk. No association was demonstrated between subjective health complaints, sleep quantity and training load factors.