Epidemiology of injuries in the iQFOiL olympic windsurfing class: risk factors and injury trends in elite sailors at the 2021 iQFOiL European championships.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology of injuries in the iQFOiL Olympic windsurfing class, focusing on risk factors such as gender, training volume, injury prevention measures, and equipment during the 2021 iQFOiL European Championships.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 165 competitors (59 women, 106 men) at the 2021 iQFOiL European Championships. Participants were interviewed using a researcher-assisted electronic injury questionnaire developed by the Polish Yachting Association and the Medical Commission of World Sailing. The focus was on the three most serious injuries reported by participants during the previous 12 months.

Results: 85 iQFOiL competitors reported 117 injuries with an injury prevalence of 52% (95% CI 44-59%). The prevalence was higher in women (61%, 95% CI 48-72%) than men (46%, 95% CI 37-56%) (p = 0.068). The incidence rate was 1.61 injuries per 1,000 h of sailing (women - 1.92 injuries/1000 h, men - 0.92 injuries/1000 h). 83% (95% CI 75-89%) of injuries occurred during on-water training. Acute injuries were more common (60%, 95% CI 51-68%) than chronic injuries. Muscle cramps/spasm (28%, 95% CI 21-37%) occurring in the lower back/lumbar spine (26%, 95% CI 19-35%) were the most common injury.

Conclusion: The new Olympic windsurfing class iQFOiL has a higher prevalence (women: 61%, men 46%) of injuries than its predecessor, the RS: X class (women: 39%, men: 23%).