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. 2007 Apr-Jun;42(2):303-10.

Descriptive epidemiology of collegiate men's wrestling injuries: National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System, 1988-1989 through 2003-2004

Julie Agel  1 , Jack Ransone, Randall Dick, Robert Oppliger, Stephen W Marshall
Affiliations

Descriptive epidemiology of collegiate men's wrestling injuries: National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System, 1988-1989 through 2003-2004

Julie Agel et al. J Athl Train. 2007 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Objective: To review 16 years of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) injury surveillance data for men's wrestling and identify potential areas for injury prevention initiatives.

Background: From 1988-1989 through 2003-2004, 17% of NCAA schools sponsoring varsity men's wrestling programs participated in annual Injury Surveillance System (ISS) data collection.

Main results: Patterns of injury were consistent with the person-to-person, combative contact between wrestlers. The musculoskeletal system and head were the most vulnerable areas during competitions; skin infections are a continuing concern in the practice environment. The incidence of injuries in practices exhibited no significant increase over time, a positive trend that may be consistent with the influence of the recent NCAA weight management rules.

Recommendations: Expansion of the present ISS to include indirect causes of injury, such as weight loss practices, would strengthen the analysis of data. Efforts by referees to be vigilant for potentially dangerous holds and by athletic trainers to improve wrestler and mat hygiene should be continued.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Injury rates and 95% confidence intervals per 1000 athlete-exposures by matches, practices, and academic year, men's wrestling, 1988–1989 through 2003–2004 (n = 3097 match injuries and 6626 practice injuries). Match average annual change = 1.3%; time trend, P = .21, 95% confidence interval = −0.8, 3.5. Practice average annual change = 0.5%; time trend, P = .42, 95% confidence interval = −0.8, 1.9
Figure 2
Figure 2. Match and practice injury mechanisms, all injuries, men's wrestling, 1988–1989 through 2003–2004 (n = 3097 match injuries and 6626 practice injuries). “Other contact” refers to contact with the mat. Injury mechanism was unavailable for 2% of game injuries and 6% of practice injuries. A total of 1631 infections were not included in this analysis
Figure 3
Figure 3. Skin infections in practices, men's wrestling, 1993–1994 through 2003–2004 (n = 1151)
Figure 4
Figure 4. Match weight classes at time of injury, men's wrestling. A, Percentage of injuries by weight class, 1988–1989 through 1997– 1998 (n = 1946). B, Percentage of injuries by weight class, 1998–1999 through 2003–2004 (n = 1151). Heavyweight = 198 to 285 lb (n = 1151)
Figure 5
Figure 5. Match activity at time of injury, men's wrestling, 1988– 1989 through 2003–2004 (n = 3097). Infections are included in these values
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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