Work

Profile of physical activity-related musculoskeletal injuries: a propensity score-matched study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical activity offers numerous health benefits but also carries the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, posing a significant health concern across all athletic levels. Understanding specific injury patterns and risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and management of injuries. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to identify and compare musculoskeletal injury patterns among hospitalized participants with physical activity-related musculoskeletal injuries, including those related to non-sports activities and sports-related injuries. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 8413 participants from an orthopedic trauma center (2013-2023). Cases were categorized as sports-related (n = 1152) or non-sports-related (n = 6968). Propensity score matching was utilized to control for age, sex, and comorbidities. Injury types, locations (International Classification of Diseases-10 codes), participant demographics, hospital stay durations, and surgery rates were analyzed using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: Participants sustaining sports-related injuries were younger (mean age: 34 vs. 45 years; P < 0.001), predominantly male (65 % vs. 57 %, P < 0.001), and had a significantly lower prevalence of hypertension (11 % vs. 21 %), diabetes (4 % vs. 9 %), and osteoporosis (2 % vs. 6 %; all P < 0.05). They also experienced shorter hospital stays (median: 2 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), with no significant difference in surgery rates compared to the non-sports-related group (P > 0.05). Sports-related activities significantly increased the relative risk (RR) for lower leg injuries (S80-S89; RR = 1.47; 95 % CI, 1.32-1.63) and dislocations or joint sprains (S33, S43, S53, S63, S73, S83, S93; RR = 1.92; 95 % CI, 1.68-2.19), but reduced the risk of wrist and hand injuries (S60-S69; RR = 0.42; 95 % CI, 0.33-0.54) and open wounds (RR = 0.06; 95 % CI, 0.02-0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in injury patterns and associated risks underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies, especially for younger, physically active populations, to mitigate injury risk and related long-term health impacts.

Source: Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2025.102034

Authors: Inga Maruszyńska-Małachowska, Rafał Kamiński

Institution: Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw

Language: English

Topic: Sports injuries and prevention

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,030