Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2024
Publication Title
Deutsche Zeitschrift Fur Sportmedizin
Abstract
› Introduction: The Paralympic movement has grown rapidly over the last few years. As participation in Para sports increases, so do its sport-related injuries. A particular injury constitutes sport-related concussions (SRC). However, the data regarding its epidemiology in Para sports has been inadequately researched. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the occurrence of SRC in Para sports. › Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. › Results: 13 articles were included in this review. Wheelchair Basketball, Sledge Hockey, Blind Football, Para Swimming, Para Judo, and Para Skiing are most commonly affected by SRC. Sledge hockey reported 4.5 SRC per 1000 athlete sports exposure hours (AEH) and Para Swimming reported 0.5-0.6 SRC per 1000 AEH. Visually impaired athletes reported 1.24 SRC per 1000 AEH. Women reported 0.8 SRC per 1000 AEH whereas men reported 0.3 per 1000 AEH. › Discussion: Para sports such as Wheelchair Basketball, Sledge Hockey, Blind Football, Para Swimming, Para Judo, and Para Skiing are differently affected by SRC compared to non Para sports. The increased incidence in Para Swimming and visually impaired athletes can be explained by the respective conditions due to different disabilities. The high incidence of SRC in women is similar to observations in non Para sports. Despite reported studies, SRC in Para sports may still be underreported.
Keywords
Competition, Injuries, Para Athletes, Para Sports, Sport-Related Concussions (SRC)
Volume
75
Issue
3
First Page
83
Last Page
89
DOI
10.5960/dzsm.2024.594
ISSN
03445925
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Version
Version of Record
Recommended Citation
Singh, B.; Gemmerich, R.; Ziegler, T.; and Helmich, I., "Concussions in Paralympic Sports: A Systematic Review" (2024). Exercise and Sport Studies: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/ess_facpubs/56