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ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology of injuries at the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympic Games.MethodsA total of 547 athletes from 45 countries were monitored daily for 12 days during the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympic Games (6564 athlete days). Daily injury data were obtained from teams with their own medical support (32 teams, 510 athletes) and teams without their own medical support (13 teams, 37 athletes) through electronic data capturing systems.ResultsThere were 174 total injuries reported, with an injury incidence rate (IR) of 26.5 per 1000 athlete days (95% CI 22.7% to 30.8%). There was a significantly higher IR recorded in alpine skiing/snowboarding (IR of 41.1 (95% CI 33.7% to 49.6%) p=0.0001) compared to cross-country skiing/biathlon, ice sledge hockey or wheelchair curling. Injuries in the shoulder region were the highest single-joint IR (IR of 6.4 (95% CI 4.6% to 8.6%)), although total upper and lower body IR were similar (IR 8.5 vs 8.4 (95% CI 6.4% to 11.1%)). Furthermore, the IR of acute injuries was significantly higher than other types of injury onset (IR of 17.8 (95% CI 14.7% to 21.4%)).ConclusionsIn a Winter Paralympic Games setting, athletes report higher injury incidence than do Olympic athletes or athletes in a Summer Paralympic Games setting. The highest incidence of injury was reported in the alpine skiing/snowboarding sporting category. There was a similar incidence of injury in the upper and lower limbs. The joint with the greatest rate of injury reported was the shoulder joint. Our data can inform injury prevention programmes and policy considerations regarding athlete safety in future Winter Paralympic Games.

ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology of illness at the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympic Games.MethodsA total of 547 athletes from 45 countries were monitored daily for 12 days over the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympic Games (6564 athlete days). Illness data were obtained daily from teams without their own medical support (13 teams, 37 athletes) and teams with their own medical support (32 teams, 510 athletes) through electronic data capturing systems.ResultsThe total number of illnesses reported was 123, with an illness incidence rate (IR) of 18.7 per 1000 athlete days (95% CI 15.1% to 23.2%). The highest IR was reported for wheelchair curling (IR of 20.0 (95% CI 10.1% to 39.6%)). Illnesses in the respiratory system (IR of 5.6 (95% CI 3.8% to 8.0%)), eye and adnexa (IR of 2.7 (95% CI 1.7% to 4.4%)) and digestive system (IR of 2.4 (95% CI 1.4% to 4.2%)) were the most common. Older athletes (35–63 years) had a significantly higher IR than younger athletes (14–25 years, p=0.049).ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that Paralympic athletes report higher illness incidence rates compared to Olympic athletes at similar competitions. The highest rates of illness were reported for the respiratory and digestive systems, eye and adnexa, respectively. Thus, the results of this study form a basis for the identification of physiological systems at higher risk of illness, which can in turn inform illness prevention and management programmes with eventual policy change to promote athlete safety in future editions of the Winter Paralympic Games.

Background The characteristics and incidence of injuries at the Summer Paralympic Games have not previously been reported. A better understanding of injuries improves the medical care of athletes and informs future injury prevention strategies. Objective The objective of this prospective cohort study was to characterise the incidence and nature of injuries during the London 2012 Summer Paralympic Games. Methods Injury information was obtained from two databases. One database was populated from medical encounter forms completed by providers at the time of assessment in one of the medical stations operated by the Organising Committee. The second database was populated daily with information provided by team medical personnel who completed a comprehensive, web-based injury survey. Results The overall injury incidence rate was 12.7 injuries/1000 athlete-days. Injury rates were similar in male and female athletes. The precompetition injury rates in women were higher than those in the competition period. Higher injury rates were found in older athletes and certain sports such as football 5-a-side (22.4 injuries/1000 athlete-days). Overall, 51.5% of injuries were new onset acute traumatic injuries. The most commonly injured region (percentage of all injuries) was the shoulder (17.7%), followed by the wrist/hand (11.4%), elbow (8.8%) and knee (7.9%). Conclusions This is the largest and most comprehensive epidemiological report examining injuries in Paralympic athletes. Injury rates differ according to age and sport. Upper limb injuries are common. The knowledge gained from this study will inform future injury surveillance studies and the development of prevention strategies in Paralympic sport. The Epidemiology of Injuries at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak , expressed in mL/min) and body mass index (BMI) in a large cohort of apparently healthy subjects. Methods BMI and VO 2peak were measured in a cross-sectional study of 8470 apparently healthy adults. VO 2peak (mL/min) was determined by an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of CRF. Results There was no difference in CRF between adults with a normal weight ( BMI between 18.5–24.9 kg/m 2 ) and those who were overweight ( BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m 2 ). Subjects who were underweight ( BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 ) as well as females who were obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m 2 ) showed a reduced CRF compared to the normal and overweight groups. Age, height, and gender were significant predictors of CRF ( R 2  = 0.467, P  < 0.0001); BMI did not add significantly to this relationship. Conclusion Our findings indicate that BMI was not associated with CRF in addition to age, height, and gender. In subjects with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 , CRF was lower compared to subjects with a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m 2 . In obese subjects, CRF was only lower in females compared to females with a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m 2 . Correcting CRF for BMI may be beneficial for subjects with a low BMI, and females with a BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m 2 . The outcome of this study might help to improve the interpretation of exercise testing results in individuals with a low or high BMI.