[Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in racing skaters in Villavicencio, Colombia]

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries and their relation to different presentation variables in inline speed skaters by age categories, between 8 and 23 years of age, from Villavicencio, Colombia.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional or prevalence analytical study was developed by applying an information collection instrument that was designed and validated qualitatively and quantitatively. The instrument included variables associated with the presentation of lesions organized in five domains. The information collected was analyzed with descriptive statistics.

Results: 66.7 % of the population studied were females, 39 % of skaters had between five and six years of sporting experience, and were in the transition category. Nine out of ten athletes trained more than five days a week, and the same proportion did three to five hours of daily training. The prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries was 53.7 % in the total population studied; 29.6 % had between one and two injuries, and 5.6% of injured skaters had between nine and ten injuries.

Conclusions: Most of musculoskeletal injuries were related to the younger age categories, in precompetitive and specific preparation periods. The lower limbs were the most affected, to a greater extent, by bony and muscular lesions.