Athletes with Disabilities Injury Registry

Abstract

The Athletes With Disabilities Injury Registry (ADIR) was designed to collect and analyze injury data from 1990 to 1992. Three hundred nineteen athletes from different disability organizations participated, and 128 reportable injuries were recorded. The injury rate during the study period was 9.45/1,000 athlete-exposures. Overall, 52% of the reported injuries were minor (0–7 days missed), 29% were moderate (8–21 days missed), and 19% were major (22 or more days missed). The shoulder and forearm/wrist accounted for the most days lost, followed by the hand/fingers and the upper arm/elbow. Musculoskeletal injuries accounted for 81 % of the reported injuries, and illness or disability-related problems accounted for 19%. Fifteen percent of the moderate and major injuries were not medically evaluated. This raises questions about access to medical care and the appropriate recognition of an injury. Injury prevention programs should focus on reducing the number of major injuries and educating athletes and coaches about appropriate medical referrals.