Sports-Related Health Problems in Para-Sports: A Systematic Review With Quality Assessment

• Published in: Sports Health Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 551 - 564
• Main Authors: Luijten, Sietske C.M., te Loo, Leonie M., Nauta, Joske, Janssen, Thomas W.J., Holla, Jasmijn F.M., Otten, René H.J., Vriend, Ingrid, Verhagen, Evert
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-07-2024
• Subjects: Athletic Injuries - epidemiology; Athletic Injuries - prevention & control; Current Research; Humans; Incidence; Para-Athletes; Risk Factors; Sports for Persons with Disabilities; athletic injuries; epidemiology; systematic review; sports for persons with disabilities
• ISSN: 1941-7381; 1941-0921; 1941-0921
• DOI: 10.1177/19417381231178534

Context:
Participation in sports is associated with a risk of sports-related health problems. For athletes with an impairment, sports-related health problems further burden an already restricted lifestyle, underlining the importance of prevention strategies in para-sports.
Objective:
To provide a comprehensive overview with quality assessment of the literature on sports-related health problems, their etiology, and available preventive measures in para-sports following the steps of the Sequence of Prevention.
Data Sources:
A literature search (in PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library) was performed up to December 8, 2021, in collaboration with a medical information specialist.
Study Selection:
The search yielded 3006 articles, of which 64 met all inclusion criteria.
Study Design:
Systematic review with quality assessment.
Level of Evidence:
Level 3.
Data Extraction:
Two independent researchers carried out the screening process and quality assessment. One researcher extracted data, and the Sequence of Prevention categorized evidence.
Results:
A total of 64 studies were included, of which 61 reported on the magnitude and risk factors of sports-related health problems, while only 3 reported on the effectiveness of preventive measures. Of these, 30 studies were of high quality. Most studies (84%) included elite-level athletes. The reported injury incidence varied widely between sports (0-91 per 1000 athlete days) and impairment categories (1-50 per 1000 athlete days). The same applies to illness incidence with regard to different sports (3-49 per 1000 athlete days) and impairment categories (6-14 per 1000 athlete days).
Conclusion:
This review shows the current vast range of reported sport-related health problems in para-sports. There is limited evidence concerning the severity of these sports-related health problems and inconclusive evidence on the risk factors. Lastly, the evidence regarding the development and effectiveness of preventive measures for para-athletes is sparse.