Gradual-onset surfing injuries in New Zealand : a retrospective epidemiological study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Gradual-onset injuries associated with surfing have not previously been closely examined. Therefore, the objective of this retrospective cross-sectional survey was to investigate the self-reported types, body locations, and mechanisms of gradual-onset injuries in a sample of New Zealand surfers.

METHODS: Self-identified surfers currently residing in New Zealand completed an online questionnaire about gradual-onset surfing-related injuries they had experienced in the preceding 12 months.

RESULTS: Respondents (n=1473, age range 8–78 years) reported 550 gradual-onset major injuries, of which 44% were classified as acute and 56% chronic. The crude incident rate was 1.72/1000 surfing hours, and injury prevalence was 27%. The shoulder (146 injuries, 64% chronic), lower-back (115 injuries) and neck (105 injuries) were the most commonly reported injury locations. Musculoskeletal soft tissues were the most injured structures, with 58% being muscle and tendons. Paddling was the most commonly reported mechanism of injury, particularly prolonged paddling (40% of all injuries). The injury prevalence for gradual-onset major injuries was higher for greater surfing abilities compared to lower abilities (p=0.01), and long-boarders compared to short-boarders (p=0.001). Respondents reporting any surfing injury, compared to those not, had more years surfing experience (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: The most common gradual-onset surfing injuries were shoulder, lower back and neck musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries, most frequently arising from paddling. Long-boarding engendered greater injury risk than short-boarding. Given these findings, prospectively designed studies would be beneficial to further understand surfing injury epidemiology and to inform injury prevention initiatives.