All Volumes (2001-2008)

Volume

Volume IV, 2004

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2004

Abstract

Participation in soccer at the intercollegiate level has increased dramatically in the United States over the past 20 years. Past studies have identified the frequency and mechanisms of musculoskeletal injury among various populations. However, data on the incidence and etiology of skin trauma associated with intercollegiate athletic participation is limited in the literature. The purpose of this study was to measure the frequency of skin trauma and determine the injury rate (IR) based on exposure to injury among male and female soccer student-athletes at a NCAA Division II institution. A case reporting and exposure form was used to collect the data over a competitive soccer season. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the data. A total of 18 wounds were documented, 11 (61%) among males and 7 (39%) among females. The overall IR for males was 4.6 wounds/1000 athletic exposures (AE) and females 3.9 wounds /1000 AE. The most common wounds were blisters (83.3%) and abrasions (16.7%) occurring most frequently to midfielders (61%). The most common mechanism of injury was rubbing/friction (94.4%) through contact with clothing (44.4%). The reported wounds occurred during practice (77.8%) and competition (11.1%) activities on grass (94.4%). The most frequently injured body locations were the foot (38.9%) and heel (27.8%). As risk factors are identified, steps toward prevention, management, and cost-effectiveness strategies can be developed.

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