A retrospective analysis of 5-year data of training-related injuries in an institutional setting

Abstract

Introduction Musculoskeletal injuries sustained during training are not only the major cause of loss of training hours but also lead to attrition of precious workforce. Detailed knowledge of the pattern, type, mechanism of musculoskeletal injury, etc., helps in designing prevention strategies. Hence, the study was conducted to study the epidemiology of injuries sustained by trainees while undergoing training at an institutional training. Materials and Methods The study is a record-based observational study. The data relating to training-related injuries sustained over 5 years (April 2014 to March 2019) were obtained from the record maintained in the medical facility of the training institute in India. The data were extracted using a case record form. The injury data (date of injury, unique identification number, trainee name, diagnosis, and type of treatment taken) were obtained from the medical record register maintained in the medical facility of the training institute. Anthropometric data (height and weight) were obtained from the record of initial medical screening done routinely on the day of joining the training institute. The descriptive analysis of the collected data was done. Results A total of (n = 2946) trainees comprising 2584 male trainees and 362 female trainees underwent training during the period of the study. The total number of visits to the medical facility related to injury during the 5-year study period was 13,579. Most of the injuries are occurring in the 5th–20th week in the first half of training period and 29–44 week in the second half of training period. Among male trainees, the lower limb injuries alone accounted for 72.8% of total injuries, followed by trunk and back injuries (11.97%) and upper limb injuries (11.95%). Among female trainees although lower limb injuries still account for the majority (79.66%) of injuries, among them, hip and groin injuries accounted for the highest percentage of injuries as compared to leg and knee injuries in male trainees. The twisting injuries of the knee, stress fractures, and acute traumatic fractures accounted for the majority (78.34%) of the injuries leading to repetition of the training by 24 weeks. The twisting injuries of the knee, acute traumatic fractures, traumatic shoulder instability, and head injuries accounted for the majority (83.2%) of the injuries leading to dropout from training institution (withdrawal). Conclusion The analysis related to the injuries sustained by trainees during the 5 years found out the timings, severity, and location of injuries. The findings may be important for the formulation of preventive program in an institutional training institute.