Injuries in sporting and non-sporting children and adolescents with a physical disability or chronic disease: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Raising levels of physical activity is used to improve health in children and adolescents with physical disabilities or chronic diseases. However no information on possible injuries in this population is available. Aim To identify the incidence density (ID) of injuries in sporting and non-sporting children and adolescents (10-19 years) with a physical disability or chronic disease. In addition to identify differences in proportion of injuries and differences regarding characteristics and consequences of injuries in both groups. Methods A cross sectional design was used. Participants filled out an online questionnaire on baseline characteristics and on physical activities and injuries experienced in the past three months. ID per 1000 hours of scheduled physical activity was calculated. Chi square tests were used to analyze the difference in proportions of injuries and characteristics and consequences of injuries were described for both groups. Results The total sample consisted of 48 participants, 23 in the sporting group and 25 in the non-sporting group. The ID was 5.7 in the sporting group and 10.8 in the non-sporting group. Proportions of injuries were not significantly different. In both groups type and location of injuries were comparable and most injuries were minor when looking at time-loss. Most injuries were sustained during physical activities of high intensity in the sporting group and during physical activities of low intensity in the non-sporting group. Conclusion The lower ID for injuries in the sporting group and comparable proportions of injuries in both groups indicate sporting is safe for children and adolescents with a physical disability or chronic disease. Clinical Relevance Sporting is safe but training should be adapted to habitual levels of physical activity and possible intrinsic risk factors should be taken into account. Physical education teachers should be informed pupils with low levels of habitual physical activity are more vulnerable.