Gradual-onset surfing injuries in New Zealand : a retrospective epidemiological study
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Authors
Remnant, Debbie
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Degree
Master of Osteopathy
Grantor
Unitec Institute of Technology
Date
2017
Supervisors
Bacon, Catherine
Moran, Robert
Moran, Robert
Type
Masters Thesis
Keyword
New Zealand
surfing injuries
gradual-onset injuries
musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries
shoulder
lower back
neck
Māori surfing
Māori health
surfing injuries
gradual-onset injuries
musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries
shoulder
lower back
neck
Māori surfing
Māori health
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Remnant, D. (2017). Gradual-onset surfing injuries in New Zealand: a retrospective epidemiological study. An unpublished thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Osteopathy, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
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.
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