Types, frequencies and burden of health problems in elite luge athletes: a 46-week prospective cohort study.

Background: There is a research gap in the survey of injuries and illnesses in the sport of luge.

Objective: To analyse the type, frequency and burden of injuries and illnesses that occurred over a preparation period and a competition period in elite luge athletes.

Methods: In total 40 elite luge athletes, who were all part of a national team and competed internationally, self-reported acute injuries, overuse injuries and illnesses weekly using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire on Health Problems.

Results: The most frequently stated health problems were illnesses with 41.9% (n=75), followed by acute injuries at 31.9% (n=57). Overuse injuries accounted for 24.0% (n=43). Illnesses represented the greatest burden with a median severity score of 60.0 (IQR: 23.63), followed by acute injuries with 42.0 (IQR: 26.83) and overuse injuries with 35.0 (IQR: 23.95). In the case of acute injuries, the anatomical regions most affected were the hand (n=8, 14.0 %), foot (n=8, 14.0 %), head (n=7, 12.3 %) and neck (n=6, 10.5 %). In the case of overuse injuries, the shoulder (n=9, 20.9 %) and lumbar spine (n=7, 16.3 %) were most frequently reported. Strains (n=15, 26.3 %) and contusions (n=14, 24.6 %) were the predominant types of acute injuries. Four concussions were recorded, with none of the athletes taking a break from normal training of more than 3 days. This stands in contrast to the current recommendations for the return to sport after concussion.

Conclusion: The results of this study represent the current incidence rates and health burden of acute and chronic injuries in this constantly evolving sport. 95% of all athletes reported at least one health problem during the observation period. These findings support the need for specific prevention programmes. The establishment of a concussion protocol should be considered.