Incidence and characteristics of time-loss injuries in competitive fencing: a prospective, 5-year study of national competitions.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the incidence of time-loss injuries in competitive fencing and to characterize these injuries regarding type and location.


METHODS
A 5-year prospective study.


METHODS
Data were collected at all national events organized by the U.S. Fencing Association (USFA) during the 2001-2006 seasons.


METHODS
A total of 78,223 male and female competitors, ranging in age from 8 to above 70, participated in various events in the targeted competitions.


METHODS
Experienced certified athletic trainers (ATC) evaluated and documented all incidents that resulted in withdrawal from competition. Exposure data [athlete exposures (AE)] were calculated from the number of bouts completed in each competition.


METHODS
Rate of time-loss injury was calculated per 1000AE. Frequency distributions for types and locations of injuries were used to characterize time-loss injuries.


RESULTS
One hundred eighty-four time-loss injuries were reported during the study, for an overall rate of 0.3 per 1000 AE (95% CI: 0.26-0.35). Of these, 26.1% were recorded as strains and 25.5% were identified as sprains. The knee was the most frequently injured location (19.6%), followed by the thigh (15.2%) and the ankle (13%). Overall, 60% of the injuries were in the lower extremities.


CONCLUSIONS
The rate of time-loss injury in competitive fencing is low. Although there are differences in the distribution of types and location of time-loss injuries by sex and discipline, the predominant characteristics (sprain/strain in the lower extremities) are similar to other sports with ballistic action in stop-start, rapid change-of-direction activity.
Harmer
Peter A
PA
Department of Exercise Science-Sports Medicine, Willamette University, Salem, OR 97401, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000145:classification* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013997:Time Factors