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Tadin A, Buzov J. Knowledge and Self-Assessment of Dental Injuries and Oral Health among Croatian Professional Water Polo Players: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:223. [PMID: 37999440 PMCID: PMC10675522 DOI: 10.3390/sports11110223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/AIM The purpose of this study was to evaluate oral health knowledge, and the incidence of self-reported dental injuries incidence, the frequency of mouthguard use, oral hygiene habits, and oral health status among professional water polo players. MATERIALS AND METHODS During the 2022/2023 season, 114 water polo players from the Croatian First League participated in a questionnaire-based online survey. The data collected included sociodemographic and professional attributes, oral health knowledge questions, dental injury experiences, and practices related to mouthguard use. Respondents also rated their own oral health status and oral hygiene habits. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a regression analysis. RESULTS The respondents demonstrated inadequate knowledge of oral health, with a mean score of 6.4 ± 2.6 out of 12. Better knowledge correlated positively with older age (p ˂ 0.05) and consistent flossing (p = 0.014). Additionally, 27.2% (31 of 114) of reported dental injuries were related directly to incidents which occurred while participating in water polo. These injuries occurred more frequently during games (54.8%) and often involved the anterior maxillary incisors (71.0%) due to player contact (87.1%). Awareness of mouthguards was high (93.9%), whereas their actual use was low (7.0%) because 35.1% of respondents reported discomfort wearing them. The respondents' self-assessments revealed widespread dental problems, including tooth sensitivity (13.3%), erosion (15.8%), calculus (28.1%), and pigmentation (7.9%). CONCLUSIONS The research results indicate a lack of adequate knowledge among the respondents regarding oral health. This deficit was not associated with oral hygiene habits or oral cavity conditions. These findings highlight the disparities in oral health awareness and practices associated with water polo participation and emphasize the importance of education and prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonija Tadin
- Department of Restorative Dental Medicine and Endodontics, Study of Dental Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Hospital Centre Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Josip Buzov
- Department of Restorative Dental Medicine and Endodontics, Study of Dental Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Lutter C, Gräber S, Jones G, Groß J, Tadda L, Tischer T. Epidemiology of Acute and Overuse Injuries in Underwater Rugby. Orthop J Sports Med 2023; 11:23259671231181582. [PMID: 37667810 PMCID: PMC10475234 DOI: 10.1177/23259671231181582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Underwater rugby (UWR) is a team sport. Athletes require a high degree of strength, endurance, speed, and coordination involving intense physical contact. Currently, a paucity of literature exists regarding injury occurrence in UWR. Purpose To examine the nature and prevalence of acute and overuse injuries in UWR. Study Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods Between November 2020 and March 2021, a total of 720 German UWR athletes were invited to take an online survey developed by orthopaedic specialists with UWR athletes. Data were recorded regarding general and health-related information, training habits, acute injuries that necessitated an interruption in training and/or doctor consultation, as well as overuse injuries. Overuse injuries were evaluated using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included t tests or rank sum tests depending on normality of distribution. A nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis 1-way analysis of variance on ranks was used for nonnormally distributed data among several groups. Results This study included 161 active athletes (mean ± SD, 36.1 ± 11.9 years old; 75.3% male) for analysis, of whom 90.1% were competing regularly. The performance-level distribution was as follows: first German national league (n = 73), second German national league (n = 46), state league (n = 17), district league (n = 1), and no league (n = 24). The mean ± SD sport-specific training workload was 5.6 ± 3.0 h/wk, including UWR training, additional swimming (n = 71; 44.1%), strength (n = 70; 43.5%), and/or endurance training (n = 102; 63.4%). Acute injuries were recorded in 78.9% of all athletes. The most typical locations for acute injuries were hand/finger (42.4%), head/face (concussion, ruptured eardrum; 18.1%), wrist (5.5%), or spine (5.0%). Overuse injuries were reported by 42.9% of the participants. The predominant locations for overuse injuries were hand/finger (18.8%), shoulder/clavicle (14.1%), spine and wrist (10.7% each), head/face (8.7%), and ankle joint and knee (6.7% each). Conclusion In the current study, 3 of 4 athletes reported at least 1 acute injury, and 2 of 5 athletes reported at least 1 overuse injury. Leading injury regions were the hand/finger, head/ear, wrist, and spine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Lutter
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Musculoskeletal Health Research Group, School of Clinical and Applied Science, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Sina Gräber
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Gareth Jones
- Musculoskeletal Health Research Group, School of Clinical and Applied Science, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Justus Groß
- Department of General and Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lukas Tadda
- Sozialstiftung Klinikum Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Tischer
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Malteser Waldkrankenhaus St Marien, Erlangen, Germany
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Mercurio M, Corona K, Galasso O, Cerciello S, Morris BJ, Guerra G, Gasparini G. Soccer players show the highest seasonal groin pain prevalence and the longest time loss from sport among 500 athletes from major team sports. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2022; 30:2149-2157. [PMID: 35258646 DOI: 10.1007/s00167-022-06924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Groin pain is a widely recognized medical issue among athletes. Groin pain can affect both player and team performance and sometimes can be a career-ending injury. The aim of this study was to assess seasonal groin pain prevalence and the average seasonal time loss from sport for each injury in different team sport athletes. The hip and groin functionality at the beginning of the following season was also investigated. METHODS A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 600 team sport athletes (soccer, futsal, basketball, volleyball, and water polo players). The seasonal prevalence of groin pain, level of competition (professional and non-professional), time loss, and concomitant injuries in addition to groin pain were reported and analyzed. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) was used to assess hip and groin pain and function related to sport and activity. RESULTS Among the 506 (84%) players included, 123 players (24.3%) reported groin pain. Overall, soccer players reported the highest groin pain prevalence (32.5%) followed by futsal (25.5%), basketball (25.2%), water polo (17.6%) and volleyball players (13.6%). Professional soccer, futsal and basketball athletes showed higher groin pain prevalence in comparison with non-professional athletes (p = 0.02, p = 0.005 and p = 0.004, respectively). The mean time loss from sport due to groin pain was 60.3 ± 66 days in soccer, 41.1 ± 16.6 days in futsal, 31.5 ± 18 days in water polo, 37.2 ± 14.2 days in basketball and 50.8 ± 24.6 days in volleyball. Significantly lower HAGOS values were found in athletes with groin pain for all sports evaluated compared to athletes with no groin pain history (p = 0.0001). Longer time loss from sport was correlated with lower HAGOS values in soccer (p = 0.002) and futsal (p = 0.002) players with groin pain. Concomitant injuries were correlated with lower HAGOS values in water polo players (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Seasonal groin pain occurs in as many as one in four team sport athletes. Soccer players show the highest groin pain prevalence and the longest time loss from sport. Professional athletes report higher prevalence of groin pain in comparison with non-professional athletes. HAGOS appears to be a valid outcome instrument to measure groin pain, correlating with both time loss from sport and concomitant injuries in athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Mercurio
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, "Magna Græcia" University, "Mater Domini" University Hospital, V.Le Europa, (Loc. Germaneto), 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Katia Corona
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 86100, Campobasso, Italy.
| | - Olimpio Galasso
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, "Magna Græcia" University, "Mater Domini" University Hospital, V.Le Europa, (Loc. Germaneto), 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simone Cerciello
- A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- Casa Di Cura Villa Betania, Rome, Italy
- Marrelli Hospital, Crotone, Italy
| | | | - Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gasparini
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, "Magna Græcia" University, "Mater Domini" University Hospital, V.Le Europa, (Loc. Germaneto), 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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Dimitric G, Kontic D, Versic S, Scepanovic T, Zenic N. Validity of the Swimming Capacities and Anthropometric Indices in Predicting the Long-Term Success of Male Water Polo Players: A Position-Specific Prospective Analysis over a Ten-Year Period. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084463. [PMID: 35457328 PMCID: PMC9032409 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Long-term predictors of success in water polo are rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the position-specific validity of the swimming and anthropometric/body build tests on the prediction of the long-term success of male water polo players. The participants were 85 top-level players observed at baseline (junior level, when they were 17–18 years of age; 35 centers and 50 perimeter players) in tests of swimming capacities (15 m water polo sprint, 25 m sprint, and 100 and 400 m freestyle swimming) and anthropometric/body build indices (body mass, body height, arm span, body mass index, and body fat percentage). Over a period of 10 years, participants’ senior-level success was prospectively observed. Multinomial logistic regression with three levels of criteria (high achievement, medium achievement, and low achievement at the senior level) was applied to identify the predictive validity of the swimming and anthropometric/body build indices. For the total sample (not dividing perimeter from center players), all observed swimming capacities, body height, and arm span were significantly associated with success, with more successful players being taller, with a longer arm span, and superior swimming capacities. Body height and 100 m freestyle swimming were significant predictors of success among centers. Achievement in 100 and 400 m freestyle swimming, body height, and a lower percentage of body fat were correlated with higher senior-level performance in perimeter players. The results showed better validity of the anaerobic-lactate and aerobic swimming tests than sprint swimming in predicting the long-term achievement of male water polo players. Differences in the influence of swimming capacities and body-build indices on senior-level success between observed playing positions are related to differences in game duties, playing time, and consequent metabolic demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Dimitric
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (G.D.); (T.S.)
| | - Dean Kontic
- University of Dubrovnik, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia;
| | - Sime Versic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Tijana Scepanovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (G.D.); (T.S.)
| | - Natasa Zenic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Correspondence:
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Croteau F, Brown H, Pearsall D, Robbins SM. Prevalence and mechanisms of injuries in water polo: a systematic review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2021; 7:e001081. [PMID: 34150321 PMCID: PMC8183217 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To summarise the information available in the literature on the prevalence of injuries in water polo and injury risk factors. Methods Protocol was registered on Open Science Framework. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and SPORTDiscus databases were searched for keywords relating to water polo and injuries on 3 February 2021. References were searched for additional studies. Only original research papers in English or French were included, and studies without an injured group were excluded. A data extraction file was made based on the Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. Study quality was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa scales for cohorts and a modified version for cross-sectional studies. Results The initial search yielded 581 articles, with 5 more added from reference lists, but only 41 remained after removing duplicates and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Thirty-one articles identified the head, fingers and shoulders as the most common sites of injury. Ten articles on mechanism of injury focused mainly on the shoulder, with degenerative changes, posture, scapular alignment, strength, flexibility and overhead shooting kinematics as the main injury risk factors. Publication types included cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and one case series. Conclusions Most traumatic injuries affect the hands and the head from unexpected contact with the ball or opponents. Conversely, training injuries seem to affect mainly the shoulder area. Low level evidence suggests a correlation between shoulder injuries and lack of strength or flexibility as well as large volumes of overhead throwing. Further prospective research is needed to investigate risk factors for other body areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Croteau
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Institut national du sport du Quebec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Harry Brown
- Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Pearsall
- Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shawn M Robbins
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, Lethbridge- Layton-MacKay Rehabilitation Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,PERFORM Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Bazina AM, Peričić TP, Galić I, Mihanović F, Kovačević N, Galić T. Knowledge and attitudes of water polo coaches about sports‐related dental injuries and dental emergency procedures. Dent Traumatol 2020; 36:382-389. [DOI: 10.1111/edt.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Bazina
- Study of Dental Medicine University of Split School of Medicine Split Croatia
| | - Tina Poklepović Peričić
- Department of Prosthodontics Study of Dental Medicine University of Split School of Medicine Split Croatia
- Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health University of Split School of Medicine Split Croatia
| | | | - Frane Mihanović
- Department of Health Sciences University of Split Split Croatia
| | | | - Tea Galić
- Department of Prosthodontics Study of Dental Medicine University of Split School of Medicine Split Croatia
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Gómez-Gimeno À, Zamora-Olave C, Cordobés-Navarro M, Willaert E, Martinez-Gomis J. Satisfaction with shortening the palatal extension of a mouthguard for water polo players: A randomized crossover study. Dent Traumatol 2019; 35:135-141. [DOI: 10.1111/edt.12455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Àngel Gómez-Gimeno
- Department of Prosthodontics; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; School of Dentistry; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Carla Zamora-Olave
- Department of Prosthodontics; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; School of Dentistry; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
- Oral Health and Masticatory System Group, (Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute) IDIBELL; Barcelona Spain
| | - Marina Cordobés-Navarro
- Department of Prosthodontics; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; School of Dentistry; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Eva Willaert
- Department of Prosthodontics; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; School of Dentistry; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
- Oral Health and Masticatory System Group, (Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute) IDIBELL; Barcelona Spain
| | - Jordi Martinez-Gomis
- Department of Prosthodontics; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; School of Dentistry; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
- Oral Health and Masticatory System Group, (Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute) IDIBELL; Barcelona Spain
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Zamora-Olave C, Willaert E, Montero-Blesa A, Riera-Punet N, Martinez-Gomis J. Risk of orofacial injuries and mouthguard use in water polo players. Dent Traumatol 2018; 34:406-412. [PMID: 30156365 DOI: 10.1111/edt.12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The incidence of orofacial injuries and the use of mouthguards in water polo players have not been well established. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of orofacial injuries in water polo players. Frequency of mouthguard use, the types of mouthguards used and the degree of interference with oral functions were also assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 347 water polo players completed a questionnaire about the orofacial injuries suffered in the 2015-2016 season and the experience of using a mouthguard, such as the type of mouthguard used and the degree of interference with oral functions. RESULTS In the 2015-2016 season, 57.9% of the players reported at least one orofacial injury, with mean numbers of 2.7 oral lacerations, 0.4 episodes of temporomandibular pain and 0.06 dental injuries. Among the 35 players (10.1%) who had tried a mouthguard, only four (1.2%) used it habitually. Some players had tried more than one type of mouthguard; 26 had tried the mouth-formed type; 11 the custom-made type; and 7 the prefabricated mouthguard. Custom-made mouthguards were rated as more comfortable than the mouth-formed type (P < 0.05). The main disadvantages of mouth-formed mouthguards were interferences with speaking, breathing and swallowing. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of orofacial injuries in water polo players is high. Although some players had tried a mouthguard, mainly the mouth-formed type, most of them do not wear them routinely for training and competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Zamora-Olave
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Oral Health and Masticatory System Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eva Willaert
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Oral Health and Masticatory System Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ariadna Montero-Blesa
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Nina Riera-Punet
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Oral Health and Masticatory System Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Martinez-Gomis
- Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Oral Health and Masticatory System Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Mountjoy M, Miller J, Junge A. Analysis of water polo injuries during 8904 player matches at FINA World Championships and Olympic games to make the sport safer. Br J Sports Med 2018; 53:25-31. [PMID: 30194222 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse injuries of water polo players reported during four Summer Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016) and four Federation Internationale de Natation World Championships (2009, 2013, 2015, 2017). METHODS Injuries during training and matches were reported daily by the team physicians and the local medical staff at the sports venues using an established surveillance system. RESULTS A total of 381 injuries were reported, equivalent to 14.1 injuries per 100 players (95% CI ±1.42). The most frequent diagnoses were laceration (12.7%) and contusion (10.9%) of head, followed by (sub-)luxation/sprain of hand (9.5%) and contusion of trunk (6.5%) or hand (6.2%). More than half of the injuries (57.0%) occurred due to contact with another player. A quarter of the injuries (25.4%) were expected to result in absence from training or match; 10 (2.9%) resulted in an estimated time-loss of 3 or more weeks. About three-quarters of injuries (75.6%) occurred during matches, 86 during training. The incidence of match injuries was on average 56.2 injuries per 1000 match hours (95% CI ±6.74). The incidence of time-loss match injuries (14.7; 95% CI ±3.44) was significantly higher in men than in women. CONCLUSIONS A critical review of water polo in-competition rules and the implementation of a Fair Play programme may help to mitigate the high incidence of contact injuries incurred during matches. A water polo-specific concussion education programme including recognition, treatment and return to play is recommended. Finally, a prospective injury surveillance programme would help to better define water polo injuries outside of the competition period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo Mountjoy
- McMaster University Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA), Lausanne, Switzerland.,International Olympic Committee (IOC), Games Group Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jim Miller
- Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Medicine Department, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Astrid Junge
- Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,Swiss Concussion Centre, Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland
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Abstract
Water polo is a team sport that combines swimming with overhead throwing and wrestling. This places water polo players at risk for a unique group of illnesses and injuries. In addition to the medical problems and injuries seen in competitive swimmers, water polo players are at risk for a variety of traumatic injuries, including concussions, eye injuries, tympanic membrane perforation, fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. Repetitive overhead throwing also places these athletes at risk for related injuries, such as shoulder problems, including rotator cuff strain and impingement, and elbow problems, such as ulnar collateral ligament injuries, posteromedial impingement, and osteochondritis dissecans of the radial capitellum. This article serves as an overview of these illnesses and injuries, as well as how the aquatic environment affects pathogenesis, treatment, and return to play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Stromberg
- Carolina Family Practice and Sports Medicine, Clinical Associate, Duke Community and Family Medicine, Cary, NC
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