Is the risk of muscle injuries higher in the finals than in previous rounds of the 100 m, 200 m and 400 m sprints of international athletics championships?

Abstract

Objectives: To compare incidence rates of lower limb muscle injuries (LLMIs) and hamstring muscle injuries (HMIs) in 100 m, 200 m and 400 m sprints disciplines between finals, semi-finals and heats of international athletics championships.

Design: Prospective total population study.

Methods: We analysed in-competition LLMIs and HMIs of female and male athletes during eight championships between 2009 and 2022.

Results: LLMI and HMI incidence rates in 100 m finals were significantly higher than in heats and semi-finals for female and male athletes. HMI incidence rates were significantly higher in 200 m finals than heats and semi-finals for male athletes.

Conclusions: LLMI and HMI risk was higher in finals compared to previous rounds during international athletics championships.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Muscle injury risk; Performance; Sports injury prevention; Top-level athletes; Track and field.