Prevalence of Skin Injuries in Beach Volleyball Athletes in Greece

Abstract

Background: Skin injuries often affect the sports community. Almost every type of athletic activity is associated with traumatic skin injuries, such as surface wounds, bruising, abrasions, subcutaneous hematomas, blunt trauma, nail injuries, friction burns, and blisters. Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the rates, location sites, and seasons of appearance of skin injuries in beach volleyball athletes in Greece. Seven hundred and eighty-five beach volleyball athletes participated in this study. The average age was 28.4 years. Skin injuries included superficial wounds (erosions, incisions, lacerations), deep wounds, hematomas, nail lacerations, friction burns, and friction blisters. The recorded variables encompassed gender, age, the time of year when athletes might be at higher risk of injuries, and the specific body regions affected. Additionally, data regarding training details such as years of practice, weekly training frequency, and daily training duration were also documented. Results: Incidence rates correlated to gender: (a) superficial wounds (p < 0.001), (b) years of training: hematomas (p < 0.001), and (c) average hours of daily training: superficial wounds (p < 0.001), deep wounds (p < 0.001), and friction blisters (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although early detection, recognition, and treatment are essential, the prevention of skin injuries can also be linked to health and athletic performance.

Keywords: beach volleyball athletes; epidemiology; skin injuries.