A retrospective cohort analysis of the injury profile of internationally competitive surfers

Modern surfing dates as far back as the 1960’s when the first amateur and professional surfing competitions were held (1). Since these humble beginnings, surfing has enjoyed a sustained growth over the last half a century, principally through increased commercialization of surfing apparel and an increased positive association with the lifestyle of surfers. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine a retrospective cohort analysis of the injury profile of internationally competitive surfers and provide information on chronic, repetitive strain injuries suffered by them. Therefore, for the purpose of this study, the following information was gathered in order to create an injury profile: • Demographics of internationally competitive surfers competing in the Mr. Price Pro, Durban, South Africa, • Prevalence of surfing injuries, • Treatment received for injuries. Methods: This study was a retrospective, quantitative, epidemiological study (9), on the Chiropractic Student Sports Association’s (CSSA) questionnaire in order to produce a retrospective cohort analysis of the injury profile of internationally. On entry into the Chiropractic treatment facility, the surfer is requested to complete their portion of the CSSA questionnaire. Thereafter the senior intern then takes a brief case history, elaborating on the information provided by the surfer, followed by a standard clinical assessment related to the anatomical region or list of differential diagnoses based on the history. iv The study was limited to any surfer, male or female, who was competing on the World Championship Tour or the World Qualifying Series and registered to compete in the Mr. Price Pro. Results: Chronic injuries made up for 52.7% of surfing injuries, with the spine and surrounding musculature being the most commonly affected regions. Factors associated with injury were the repetitive nature of certain aspects of surfing and the age of the surfer. The findings in this study concurred with previous literature with the respect to sustaining of an injury related to surfing. However, many of the findings in this study differed to that of previous literature with respect to the common site of injury. The spine was the most common site of injury, as opposed to lower extremities as had been previously reported. The factors associated with injury also differed somewhat from previous literature. Therefore, this warrants further investigation with due consideration to the recommendations from this study.