A follow-up study on athletic injury and physical fitness in a nationally ranked high school boy's water polo team by orthopedist / 体力科学

ABSTRACT

A six-month follow-up study of athletic injury and physical fitness was conducted on ten players in a nationally ranked boys' high school water polo team. The first medical check-up was conducted on May 28th, 1995, and the second just 4 days before the national athletic meet on September 2 nd. The final check-up was done on November 18 th. A thorough examination in addition to X-ray evaluation by an orthopedist was done on June 26th after the first medical check-up.<BR>In our check-ups, athletic injuries were defined as injuries due to water polo or disorders which prevented individuals from playing. In the thorough examination, athletic injuries included any physical conditions that required further investigations or treatment by the doctor.<BR>Six players had taken part in swimming before taking up water polo, and seven had played water polo since junior high school. Of the athletic injuries sustained, 55% occurred at the age of 13-14 yr. Injuries due to carelessness and over-enthusiasm amounted to six. Motion pain in the pes anserius, iliotibial tract, and hip joints without traumatic episodes were thought to originate from the characteristic leg action under the water.<BR>Although body weight and height varied among the players, the differences in the values of body fat percentage, body mass index, and lean body mass were slight.<BR>Since the players had few complaints, athletic injuries were difficult to find. However, with periodic medical check-ups and a thorough examination, we are able to prevent some problems such as pain in the pes anserius or iliotibialtract.