Abstract
Background The problem statement identified for this study concerns the insufficient research on the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in competitive paddlers at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club. Prior research done in South Africa is limited and outdated. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in competitive paddlers at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club, with the intention of identifying whether certain body regions were more susceptible to injury in marathon kayakers, sprint kayakers or athletes who compete in both disciplines. Methodology A cross-sectional, quantitative, exploratory descriptive study was conducted through the means of a questionnaire. The sample consisted of 205 active competitive paddlers, who were recruited randomly via email and word of mouth, at time-trials and training sessions at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 50, with a 1:5 female to male ratio. The results of the survey were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis, specifically mean scores, frequencies and p-values. Results Fifty-five active competitive paddlers completed the questionnaire (26.83% response rate) of whom 9 were female, 45 were male and 1 identified as ‘Other’. Of the sample, 72.5% (n=40) of the participants reported that they had been injured during their paddling career, however, only 23.6% (n=13) reported that they had been pre-disposed to the injury prior to commencing their paddling career. This study established that there was a higher prevalence of injuries in the shoulders (60%), lower back (50%), wrist/hands (37.5%), ankles/feet (30%), knees (25%) and elbows (22.5%). Reported injuries were muscle strains, ligamentous sprains, overuse injuries and varying degrees of fractures and dislocations. Conclusion An analysis of the data collected through the questionnaire illustrates that there was an increased prevalence of musculoskeletal injury in competitive paddlers at Dabulamanzi Canoe Club. Further studies are needed to establish whether there is a direct link between the development of an injury in a certain body region and the kayaking sport.
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)