Severe Knee, Ankle, and Shoulder Injuries among Korean Men and Women Freestyle Wrestlers: A Survey-based Cross-Sectional Study
10.5763/kjsm.2024.42.3.176
- Author:
Sangcheol YOO
1
;
Sewoon YOON
;
Munku SONG
Author Information
1. Sports Health Care Education, Westminster Graduate School of Theology, Yongin, Korea
- Publication Type:Clinical Article
- From:The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine
2024;42(3):176-183
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study aimed to investigate severe knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries in Korean men and women freestyle wrestlers, with a focus on gender comparison.
Methods:A total of 90 wrestlers (44 men and 46 women, mean age 25.1±3.9 years) who consented to participation in the study were included as subjects. A standardized questionnaire was used to investigate athletes’ experiences of severe knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries that limited their participation in training or matches for more than 3 weeks during their athletic careers and their postinjury management practices.
Results:Severe injuries to the knee occurred in 55.6% of all participants, to the ankle in 34.4%, and to the shoulder in 28.9%. These severe injuries occurred mainly during wrestling technical training due to player contact mechanisms, with a high frequency during tackling movements. Only about half received specialized postinjury rehabilitation, and about 70% returned to training or competition without medical clearance. There were no gender differences in the characteristics of these injuries and their postinjury management.
Conclusion:The current findings suggest that Korean men and women freestyle wrestlers are likely to suffer severe knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries during their careers, but that postinjury management to ensure a safe return to training is inadequate.
