Kiteboarding Injuries: Epidemiology, Common Treatment Strategies, and Time to Return to Kiteboarding Following Injury

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and types of injuries incurred during kiteboarding (1), along with treatment approaches (2). In addition, the time to return to kiteboarding following injury (3) and factors associated with the rate and type of injury were analyzed (4). Setting: Recreational kiteboarding. Design: Retrospective cohort. Participants: Three hundred twelve kiteboarders (280 men, 32 women, mean age 42.91 ± 13) were included in the study. Independent Variables: Age, sex, experience, and the use of protective gear. Main Outcome Measures: Kiteboarding experience, injury location, type, incidence, nonsurgical and surgical treatment modalities, and return-to-kiteboarding data. Results: The number of injuries calculated per 1000 sessions was a mean of 7.82 (4.83-10.81). Patients with less than 2 years of kiteboarding experience were at a greater risk of injury than more experienced kiters (P < 0.001). The knee (24.1%), ankle and foot (18.9%), ribs (12.7%), and shoulder (10.2%) were the body parts most frequently injured. Overall, 14.4% of kiters underwent surgical intervention, with knee surgery being the most common site of operation (41.9%) and the most frequently performed procedure being anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Conclusions: The pattern of reported injury was found to be different from that previously reported in the scientific literature among freeriding kiters, with knees, ribs, and shoulders being most frequently involved. Participants with <2 years of experience had a significantly greater risk of injury; therefore, proper technical and physical training is advisable.